Afghanistan registered a convincing 38-run victory over West Indies within the first T20I of the three-match collection on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium on Monday, January 19. A commanding batting show led by Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli, adopted by a disciplined bowling effort, allowed Afghanistan to take a 1-0 lead within the T20I collection.
Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli get better Afghanistan from early blows
Opting to bat first after successful the toss, Afghanistan suffered an instantaneous setback when wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out for a first-ball duck. The early dismissal briefly put strain on the hosts, however Ibrahim Zadran held agency at one finish, guaranteeing Afghanistan didn’t lose momentum.
After shedding Sediqullah Atal, Zadran discovered strong assist in Darwish Rasooli and the pair stitched collectively a large 162-run partnership for the third wicket that fully turned the sport in Afghanistans favour. Zadran performed a mature and managed innings, ending unbeaten on 87 off 56 balls, hanging eight fours and three sixes. Rasooli complemented him completely with a fluent 84 off 59 deliveries, laced with eight fours and two maximums.
Their partnership not solely stabilized the innings but in addition accelerated scoring throughout the center and dying overs, taking Afghanistan to an imposing 181 for 3 from their 20 overs.
West Indies discovered it troublesome to use sustained strain as soon as the Zadran-Rasooli partnership took form. Whereas Jayden Seales and Matthew Forde picked up a wicket every, the shortage of management from the remainder of the assault allowed Afghanistan to take care of a wholesome run charge.
Spinner Gudakesh Motie was essentially the most economical, conceding simply 18 runs in his 4 overs, however the harm was already been finished by the point he got here into the assault.
Afghanistan spinners dismantle West Indies chase
Chasing 182, West Indies by no means actually settled as Afghanistan’s bowlers struck early and persistently. Mujeeb Ur Rahman eliminated each Brandon King and Johnson Charles contained in the powerplay, setting the tone for the innings.
The center overs belonged to Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan, who picked up two essential wickets whereas conceding simply 19 runs. His tight spell choked the run circulate and compelled the West Indies batters into dangerous photographs.
Help got here from Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, who claimed three wickets, whereas Noor Ahmad added two extra as West Indies collapsed to 143 for 9.
Afghanistan outclass the West Indies in T20I collection opener#cricket #AFGvWI #1stT20I pic.twitter.com/x3ICwe6cM3
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 19, 2026
Aside from temporary resistance from Quentin Sampson and a late flourish by Motie, the West Indies batting lacked cohesion. Early wickets left the center order uncovered, and regardless of a brief partnership between Matthew Forde and Motie, the required charge stored climbing.
Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained self-discipline, exploiting the floor and making use of relentless strain, guaranteeing West Indies by no means mounted a critical problem.
Additionally READ: Afghanistan vs West Indies 2026, T20I series – Date, Match Time, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
For his good batting and excellent catches, Darwish Rasooli was named Participant of the Match.
Star of the evening ⭐🏅
Darwish Rasooli earns the Participant of the Match award with three good catches and an aesthetic 84 (59), laced with 8 fours and a couple of sixes. 👏🔥#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvWI | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/X1xvFrd0O1
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 19, 2026
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