In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan secured a resounding 38-run triumph against West Indies in the inaugural match of their three-game T20 series at Dubai International Stadium on January 19. The victory was anchored by a phenomenal batting partnership and supported by disciplined bowling execution.
Despite an immediate setback with the dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck on the very first delivery, Afghanistan’s batting lineup demonstrated remarkable resilience. The early departure of Sediqullah Atal in the third over, leaving the team at 19/2, set the stage for an extraordinary 162-run third-wicket stand between Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli. Zadran’s unbeaten 87 from 56 deliveries, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes, combined with Rasooli’s explosive 84 off 59 balls including eight fours and two maximums, propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 181/3. West Indies’ bowling attack struggled for consistency, with Matthew Forde proving particularly expensive at 1/51 while Jayden Seales managed 1/30.
West Indies’ response began disastrously as stand-in captain Brandon King fell to Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s off-spin in the opening over. Although Johnson Charles attempted to accelerate with 27 from 16 balls, the innings never gained sustainable momentum. The Caribbean team suffered a catastrophic middle-order collapse, plummeting from 38/2 to 50/5 within four overs. Debutant Quentin Sampson provided brief hope with a spirited 30 off 24 deliveries, but the required run rate proved insurmountable. Late resistance from Matthew Forde (25) and Gudakesh Motie (28) was ultimately neutralized by Noor Ahmad’s clever wrist-spin, restricting West Indies to 143/9 from their allotted overs.
Afghanistan’s bowling unit delivered a comprehensive performance with Ziaur Rahman claiming 3/36 and Rashid Khan contributing 2/19. The emphatic victory gives Afghanistan a crucial 1-0 advantage in the series, with subsequent matches scheduled for January 21 and 22 at the same venue.