AFG vs WI, T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan Clinch 23 Run Win

Afghanistan put up a confident all-round show to beat West Indies by 23 runs in the AFG vs WI, T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match that took place in Bengaluru. A half-century from Ibrahim Zadran, coupled with a tight bowling performance, turned out to be the difference between the two teams despite a late onslaught by Matthew Forde.

Afghanistan Openers Lay a Strong Foundation

Batting first for Afghanistan, openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran opened up with a very fast start by both of them hitting aggressive shots (including 2 boundaries off left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein) through the first over as Gurbaz ran in the very first over of the innings.

Zadran was also hitting well, therefore you could clearly see the intent of each player as they were both able to generate a lot of runs, including 16 runs against Jayden Seales’ bowling in the fifth over. Afghanistan finished the powerplay strongly at 62 without loss, in complete control of their innings.

Ibrahim Zadran Anchors the Innings

The opening wicket partnership was eventually broken in the ninth over as Gudakesh Motie got Gurbaz out, and they had put together a 90-run partnership. Although Roston Chase and Motie continued to press hard in the middle overs, Ibrahim Zadran kept the innings afloat with a sensible knock.

Sediqullah Atal was out shortly after, but Darwish Rasooli got the runs flowing with three quality boundaries against Shamar Joseph in the 15th over.

Late Flourish Takes Afghanistan to Competitive Total

Azmatullah Omarzai supplied the late acceleration, hitting a number of massive blows before retiring on 35. Afghanistan finished their innings with a very competitive 182, a total that gave their bowlers something substantial to defend in the AFG vs WI, T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up.

Afghanistan Bowlers Rock West Indies Early

With a terrible beginning to their innings the West Indies had already lost four wickets by end of the first six overs! Omarzai (2) got both openers, Shai Hope and Brandon King with Fazalhaq Farooqi taking the wicket of Roston Chase and Mujeeb Ur Rahman trapped Johnson Charles to add to the misery. The powerplay ended with West Indies struggling, with the required run rate already mounting.

Matthew Forde’s Late Heroics Offer Brief Hope

Captain Rovman Powell tried to turn things around with a gritty 32, but the West Indies wickets kept falling at the other end. The saving grace of the West Indies innings was No. 9 batter Matthew Forde. Forde went on a fearless rescue mission, hitting 19 runs off Noor Ahmad and then scoring a stunning 50 off just 25 balls.

Afghanistan Hold Nerve to Seal Win

However, with Forde launching an attack towards the end, the required rate proved to be too much for the West Indies lower order. The Afghan bowlers showed composure in the death overs, thus securing a 23-run victory to conclude their impressive display.