In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan secured a decisive 2-0 series victory against the West Indies with a commanding 39-run triumph in Dubai on January 21. This defeat marks another concerning setback for the Caribbean team, occurring merely weeks before the highly anticipated T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan’s innings showcased remarkable resilience after an early stumble. Despite losing both openers within the powerplay period—Rahmanullah Gurbaz (1) and Ibrahim Zadran (22)—to the bowling of Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde respectively, the middle order mounted an extraordinary recovery. The partnership between Darwish Rasooli and Sediqullah Atal proved particularly devastating, amassing 115 runs for the third wicket with aggressive strokeplay that included 13 boundaries between them.
Atal eventually fell to Forde after scoring 53 from 42 deliveries, while Rasooli’s explosive innings of 68 from just 39 balls was terminated by Ramon Simmonds. A final flourish came from Azmatullah Omarzai, whose unbeaten 26 from 13 balls propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 189/4 from their allotted 20 overs.
The West Indies’ response began disastrously, losing three key wickets—Alick Athanaze (8), Evin Lewis (13), and Johnson Charles (0)—within the first eight overs while managing only 38 runs. Shimron Hetmyer provided temporary hope with a blistering 46 from merely 17 deliveries, including six maximums, but his dismissal in the 14th over effectively ended the contest. Captain Brandon King offered resistance with a patient 50 from 41 balls, but the team ultimately collapsed to 150 all out in 18.5 overs.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack demonstrated clinical efficiency, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman claiming impressive figures of 4/21 from his four overs. The teams are scheduled to conclude the series with a final match on January 22.