Because the highway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins in earnest, Afghanistan and the West Indies face off in a high-stakes three-match T20I collection within the UAE. With the worldwide event simply weeks away, this opening encounter on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium serves as a significant costume rehearsal for 2 of essentially the most explosive sides within the shortest format.
Each groups arrive within the UAE with a degree to show. Afghanistan, led by the indomitable Rashid Khan, have named a full-strength squad that mirrors their World Cup roster. The return of Gulbadin Naib bolsters an already formidable bowling assault, whereas younger sensation Sediqullah Atal seems to be to cement his spot on the high of the order alongside the explosive Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
The West Indies, underneath the management of Brandon King, are testing their bench power and tactical flexibility. Whereas huge names like Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell shall be missed, the squad stays harmful. Shimron Hetmyer returns to the fold in peak type, recent from a dominant franchise season, and tempo sensation Shamar Joseph is anticipated to steer a hungry, youthful bowling unit.
AFG vs WI, 1st T20I: Match Particulars
- Date and Time: January 19; 8:00 pm IST / 2:30 am GMT / 6:30 pm Native
- Venue: Dubai worldwide cricket stadium, Dubai
AFG vs WI Head-to-Head Report in T20Is
Matches performed: 08 | Afghanistan received: 03 | West Indies received: 05 | No outcome/Tied: 00
Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium Pitch report
The Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium is anticipated to supply its signature balanced floor, offering a aggressive contest between bat and ball. In the course of the preliminary overs, the brand new ball typically finds seam motion and additional bounce, making the Powerplay a crucial part for the openers to outlive. As the sport progresses, the pitch tends to settle, permitting batters to play their pictures freely by the road. Nevertheless, the mid-January night dew shall be a defining issue; because the outfield turns into slick, spinners might wrestle for grip, considerably favouring the aspect batting second. Consequently, the captain successful the toss will probably choose to bowl first to benefit from the simpler chasing circumstances.
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Squads
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Shahidullah Kamal, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad and Ziaur Rahman.
West Indies: Brandon King (c), Johnson Charles (wk), Amir Jangoo (wk), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Quentin Sampson, Justin Greaves, Khary Pierre, Shamar Springer, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales and Ramon Simmonds.
AFG vs WI, 1st T20I: At this time’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Afghanistan wins the toss and bowls first
- West Indies’ powerplay rating: 50-60
- West Indies’ complete rating: 180-190
Case 2:
- West Indies wins the toss and bowls first
- Afghanistan’s powerplay rating: 60-70
- Afghanistan’s complete rating: 190-200
Match outcome: Workforce bowling first to win the match.
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