Afghanistan extended their dominant performance against West Indies, securing a convincing 38-run victory in the AFG vs WI match yesterday evening in Dubai. This victory is important in their preparation for next month’s T20 World Cup 2026 tournament.
AFG vs WI: Afghanistan Register Strong Total on Spin-Friendly Surface
Batting first on a surface that was clearly favouring slower bowlers, Afghanistan played a disciplined yet attack-heavy inning to reach 181/3. The opening partnership was lost early, but the innings never lost momentum because of the middle order. Ibrahim Zadran shines with an unbeaten knock of 87 off 56 deliveries, with Darwish Rasooli supporting him aptly in his fluent knock of 84.
At the end of the first inning, Afghanistan had scored around 20 extra runs than their target in the power-play itself, which turned out quite crucial in the end.
Early Setbacks, Then Total Control
It was an Afghan innings that had the wobbly start. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, on the very first ball, got run out due to a sharp direct hit by Gudakesh Motie at the non-striker’s end. This was followed by Sediqullah Atal, who went after mistiming a shortish delivery and fell to a one-handed stunner by Brandon King at the first slip. At 19 for 2, stability was needed for Afghanistan – and it came through Zadran and Rasooli.
Zadran and Rasooli Dominate the Middle Overs
The turning point in the AFG vs WI match came in the third wicket partnership. Zadran and Rasooli displayed the required composure and aggression as they built a 162-run partnership, taking the game beyond West Indies.
Ibrahim Zadran marked his fourth consecutive half-century in T20Is, which is achieved by relying upon conventional strokeplay, use of the straight bat, and leg-side hitting down towards the ground. Darwish Rasooli also struck more creatively, using cross bats and turning strike-overs occasionally to unsettle the bowlers’ rhythm.
Rasooli swung the momentum firmly in the 15th over with some attacking shots against Khary Pierre, including 4, 6, and 4, which ended the boundary dry spell as Afghanistan accelerated towards a threatening total.
Spin Trio Strangles West Indies Chase
The Afghan spin attack defended 182 with a standout display. The West Indian batsmen struggled with timing and movement as the ball took turn.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Rashid Khan
Malala Yous
The trio shared six wickets, putting consistent pressure with their lines and change of pace. The West Indies were unable to forge decent partnerships despite their struggles and came up 38 runs short, resulting in a convincing victory for Afghanistan.
AFG vs WI: A Statement Ahead of the T20 World Cup
This dominating display of AFG vs WI has sent quite an impressive signal before the T20 World Cup. The Afghan team has been able to display its competence in batting as well as functioning in perfect control through spin on surfaces which are quite expected in the global meet.
With consecutive victories over West Indies in age-group and senior level matches, the confidence levels of Afghanistan are at an optimum point, making them a threat for the upcoming tournament.
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