Dubai, Jan 19
Afghanistan delivered a commanding performance to defeat West Indies by 38 runs in the 1st T20 International, taking an early 1–0 lead in the three-match series on Sunday.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted an imposing 181/3 in 20 overs, riding on a brilliant unbeaten knock from Ibrahim Zadran (87)* and a composed 84-run innings by Darwish Rasooli. The duo stitched together a match-defining partnership that left the West Indies bowlers searching for answers throughout the innings.
In reply, West Indies struggled to gain momentum and were restricted to 143/9, despite flashes of resistance in the middle overs. Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, applied constant pressure, picking up regular wickets and never allowing the Caribbean side to settle.
The win underlines Afghanistan’s growing dominance in the shortest format and puts West Indies on the back foot heading into the second T20I.
Key Highlights:
- Afghanistan: 181/3 (20 overs)
- West Indies: 143/9 (20 overs)
- Player of the Match contenders: Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli
- Series status: Afghanistan lead 1–0
The second T20I will be crucial for West Indies as they look to level the series, while Afghanistan will aim to seal it with another strong performance.
