Afghanistan registered a convincing 38-run victory over West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday, January 19. A commanding batting display led by Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli, followed by a disciplined bowling effort, allowed Afghanistan to take a 1-0 lead in the T20I series.
Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli recover Afghanistan from early blows
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan suffered an immediate setback when wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out for a first-ball duck. The early dismissal briefly put pressure on the hosts, but Ibrahim Zadran held firm at one end, ensuring Afghanistan did not lose momentum.
After losing Sediqullah Atal, Zadran found solid support in Darwish Rasooli and the pair stitched together a massive 162-run partnership for the third wicket that completely turned the game in Afghanistans favour. Zadran played a mature and controlled innings, finishing unbeaten on 87 off 56 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes. Rasooli complemented him perfectly with a fluent 84 off 59 deliveries, laced with eight fours and two maximums.
Their partnership not only stabilized the innings but also accelerated scoring during the middle and death overs, taking Afghanistan to an imposing 181 for 3 from their 20 overs.
West Indies found it difficult to apply sustained pressure once the Zadran-Rasooli partnership took shape. While Jayden Seales and Matthew Forde picked up a wicket each, the lack of control from the rest of the attack allowed Afghanistan to maintain a healthy run rate.
Spinner Gudakesh Motie was the most economical, conceding just 18 runs in his four overs, but the damage was already been done by the time he came into the attack.
Afghanistan spinners dismantle West Indies chase
Chasing 182, West Indies never truly settled as Afghanistan’s bowlers struck early and consistently. Mujeeb Ur Rahman removed both Brandon King and Johnson Charles inside the powerplay, setting the tone for the innings.
The middle overs belonged to Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan, who picked up two crucial wickets while conceding just 19 runs. His tight spell choked the run flow and forced the West Indies batters into risky shots.
Support came from Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, who claimed three wickets, while Noor Ahmad added two more as West Indies collapsed to 143 for 9.
Afghanistan outclass the West Indies in T20I series opener#cricket #AFGvWI #1stT20I pic.twitter.com/x3ICwe6cM3
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 19, 2026
Apart from brief resistance from Quentin Sampson and a late flourish by Motie, the West Indies batting lacked cohesion. Early wickets left the middle order exposed, and despite a short partnership between Matthew Forde and Motie, the required rate kept climbing.
Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained discipline, exploiting the surface and applying relentless pressure, ensuring West Indies never mounted a serious challenge.
For his brilliant batting and outstanding catches, Darwish Rasooli was named Player of the Match.
Star of the night ⭐🏅
Darwish Rasooli earns the Player of the Match award with three brilliant catches and a classy 84 (59), laced with 8 fours and 2 sixes. 👏🔥#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvWI | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/X1xvFrd0O1
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 19, 2026
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