Afghanistan vs West Indies T20I: Zadran, Rasooli Lead AFG to 128/2
The first T20I between Afghanistan and West Indies unfolded at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 19, 2026. This match marks the beginning of a three-game T20I series, crucial for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Afghanistan will directly head into the tournament after this series, while West Indies will play three matches in South Africa beforehand.
Match Summary
Afghanistan put on a commendable performance, finishing their innings at 147 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 17 overs.
Key Performers
- Ibrahim Zadran: Scored 66 runs, marking his fourth consecutive T20I fifty.
- Darwish Rasooli: Contributed significantly with 73 runs, showcasing a strong partnership with Zadran.
Innings Breakdown
| Overs | Score | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6/1 | Gurbaz (Run out) |
| 3 | 25/2 | Sediqullah Atal (Dismissed by Jayden Seales) |
| 10 | 81/2 | Rasooli (34), Zadran (42) |
| 13 | 104/2 | Zadran (50) |
| 15 | 128/2 | Rasooli (67), Zadran (55) |
| 17 | 147/2 | Rasooli (73), Zadran (66) |
Match Highlights
The match began with a few hiccups for Afghanistan as they lost Gurbaz and Atal early. However, Zadran and Rasooli steadied the innings. Rasooli led the charge with aggressive batting, including several boundaries and a six. Zadran’s steady approach complemented Rasooli’s aggression, and they built a solid partnership.
The Afghan team’s ability to score runs consistently, rotating the strike smartly and capitalizing on extras, helped them set a competitive total. This performance not only bolsters their confidence but also sharpens their strategies ahead of the World Cup.
Next Steps
As the T20I series continues, both teams will aim to fine-tune their line-ups and strategies. The focus will be on building momentum as they head toward the World Cup, with the second match of the series set to take place shortly.
Stay updated with further developments and scores at Filmogaz.com.
