Zadran, Rasooli fire Afghanistan to 38-run win over West Indies in T20I opener

Afghanistan crush West Indies by 38 runs in T20I opener at Dubai.

Afghanistan delivered a commanding performance against West Indies in the first T20I on Monday, January 19, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, winning by 38 runs ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Ibrahim Zadran starred with an unbeaten 87 off 56 balls, while Darwish Rasooli contributed 84 off 59, putting Afghanistan on 181 for 3 on a spin-friendly pitch. After a shaky start at 19 for 2, the pair added a 162-run partnership to stabilize the innings.

West Indies struggled against Afghanistan’s spin attack. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmad shared six wickets, reducing the visitors to 143 for 9 in 20 overs. Early wickets, including openers Brandon King (4) and Evin Lewis (4), put the chase in jeopardy, and a brief sixth-wicket stand between Quenton Sampson (30) and Matthew Forde (25) failed to turn the tide.

Darwish Rasooli was named Player of the Match for his sparkling innings. The teams meet again in the second T20I on Wednesday, January 21, at the same venue.