Afghanistan Triumphs Over West Indies in 1st T20I 2026 Match Report
In a riveting match on October 8, 2026, Afghanistan triumphed over the West Indies in their first T20I encounter by 38 runs. The game, held at a Dubai venue known for its conducive pitch for slower bowlers, saw Afghanistan post a total of 181 for 3, while the West Indies managed only 143 for 9.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 181 for 3 | Ibrahim Zadran (87*) | Ziaur Rahman (3-36) |
| West Indies | 143 for 9 | Quentin Sampson (30) | Rashid Khan (2-19) |
Key Performers
Ibrahim Zadran starred for Afghanistan, scoring an impressive unbeaten 87 runs off 56 balls. His performance, coupled with Darwish Rasooli’s solid 84, formed a formidable partnership. The duo added 162 runs for the third wicket after a shaky start left Afghanistan at 19 for 2.
First Half Highlights
- Zadran’s innings included a series of elegant shots, showcasing his skill with a straight bat.
- Rasooli provided aggressive support, notably striking Khary Pierre for a six and two boundaries in a single over.
- Despite early setbacks, their partnership propelled Afghanistan to a competitive total, exceeding their target by 20 runs.
West Indies’ Struggles
The West Indies faced mounting pressure from Afghanistan’s spin bowlers. Ziaur Rahman took three wickets, proving critical in breaking the West Indies’ momentum. Rashid Khan also delivered a disciplined spell, claiming two wickets and conceding just 19 runs.
Fielding Woes for West Indies
Throughout the innings, West Indies struggled in the field, with three crucial catches dropped during a frustrating 18th over for their bowling unit. These misses proved costly as Afghanistan capitalized on the errors, pushing their score higher.
Chasing the Target
In response, the West Indies began their innings sluggishly. Despite a brief flurry of runs from Quentin Sampson, who managed 30 runs, the team couldn’t maintain any significant momentum. Afghanistan’s bowlers consistently cramped the batsmen for runs, leading to their downfall.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Afghanistan’s comprehensive bowling display and solid batting partnership were instrumental in their victory. The match sets a positive tone for Afghanistan as they head into the T20 World Cup next month, while the West Indies will need to reassess their strategy moving forward.
