In a dramatic turnaround at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 22, the West Indies cricket team secured a hard-fought 15-run victory against Afghanistan in the third T20 international, preventing a series whitewash despite Afghanistan’s 2-1 series triumph.
The match served as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on February 7 across venues in India and Sri Lanka.
Stand-in captain Brandon King demonstrated significantly improved form at the crease, anchoring the West Indies innings with a composed 47 runs from 35 deliveries, featuring two boundaries and three maximums. The middle-order contribution came from Matthew Forde, whose explosive 27 off just 11 balls provided vital momentum. However, the Caribbean side struggled to build substantial partnerships, ultimately posting 151/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by the exceptional Rashid Khan, who delivered a masterclass in T20 bowling with remarkable figures of 2/13 from his four overs. He received capable support from Abdollah Ahmadzai (2/30) and Ziaur Rahman (2/45), who maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings.
In response, Afghanistan appeared poised for victory following a formidable 72-run opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Despite Gurbaz’s magnificent 71 from 58 deliveries, the middle order collapsed spectacularly against the disciplined West Indian bowling attack.
The match turned decisively in favor of the West Indies through the outstanding performance of pace bowler Shamar Springer, who recorded career-best figures of 4/20 in his four overs. The 2016 Under-19 World Cup champion complemented his bowling with two crucial catches, demonstrating all-round fielding excellence. Supporting contributions came from Forde, Khary Pierre, and Ramon Simmonds, each claiming one wicket to restrict Afghanistan to 136/8.
The West Indies squad competed without several key players including regular captain Shai Hope, spinner Akeal Hosein, power hitter Rovman Powell, and all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who were either rested or unavailable for selection.