Dubai, January 19, 2026 – Afghanistan registered a commanding 38-run victory over West Indies in the first T20 International at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday, taking an early lead in the series.
Batting first after an early setback, Afghanistan recovered brilliantly to post 181/3. The innings was anchored by a match-defining 162-run partnership for the third wicket between Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli. Afghanistan had stumbled to 19/2, including a first-ball run-out, but the duo steadied the innings before accelerating strongly in the death overs. West Indies lost momentum in the field, conceding 53 runs in the final five overs.
Darwish Rasooli, who scored a superb 84 runs, was named Player of the Match. Speaking after the game, Rasooli said the plan was to bat deep, build partnerships, and play his natural game, adding that he remains focused on continuous improvement.
In response, West Indies struggled throughout their chase of 182, losing wickets at regular intervals. Although Johnson Charles provided a brief spark with 27 off 16 balls, his dismissal in the powerplay triggered a collapse. At the halfway stage, West Indies were reeling at 57/5, leaving them with a steep required run rate.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack was clinical and disciplined. Ziaur Rahman claimed three key wickets, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmad picked up two wickets each. Noor Ahmad sealed the win in the 18th over, dismissing Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie to end the contest.
The comprehensive performance highlighted Afghanistan’s growing dominance in T20 cricket.