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Afghanistan is gearing up to face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series before the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. Both teams are eyeing a solid preparation ahead of the crucial tournament. The 1st T20I match of the series is scheduled to be held at DICS in Dubai on Monday, January 19. 

 

Afghanistan

 

Afghanistan has risen to become a team that consistently delivers performances marked by team efforts all over. After showing their dominance in their recent series, they are eyeing the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. They will face the West Indies in the UAE for the three matches, giving them an edge to prepare themselves and tick all their boxes before the tournament. They will be arriving in this series after whitewashing Zimbabwe, and following up with a victory in the only T20I match against the Qatar team. The Rashid Khan-led side will have their hopes high for this series. The batting lineup looks dominant, with players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, and Mohammad Nabi. While Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen ul Haq are there as pacers, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed will take care of the spin department. 

 

West Indies

 

The West Indies have a fair chance to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. They will be playing three T20I matches against Afghanistan first and then three matches against the Proteas. These two series will play a crucial role for the team to try out, experiments, and find the right balance. However, several senior players, including Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford, will miss this series as they are participating for their respective franchises in the ongoing SA20 League. The squad blends with expereince and the young energy for this tour, with Brandon King set to take the leadership duties. The batting lineup features explosive hitters like Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer. While Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales have been included as the pacer.

 

AFG vs WI 1st T20I Match Details

 

AFG vs WI T20I Match Details
Match	Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I Match
Date and Time	Monday, January 19; 8:00 p.m. IST
Venue	Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Broadcasting and live streaming	TV - NA; Live Stream - FanCode (app and website)

 

AFG vs WI 1st T20I Pitch Report

 

The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium generally assists the bowlers more than the batters. Fast bowlers get movement early, and spinners can play their role as the match progresses. The batters need to play safely, avoid risky shots, and build their innings patiently. A total of around 150-160 is difficult if the bowling side bowls tight lines. Teams will look to read the pitch early and work accordingly.

 

AFG vs WI 1st T20I Weather Report

 

The weather is expected to remain cold and pleasant throughout the entire match, with 4% chances of precipitation. The temperature is likely to be around 21-25°C. The winds are likely to flow in moderate conditions.

 

AFG vs WI Head-to-Head Records

 

AFG vs WI head-to-head (in T20Is)
Match Played	8
Won by Afghanistan	3
Won by West Indies	5
Tied	0
No Result	0

 

AFG vs WI 1st T20I Probable XI

 

• Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdullah Ahmadzai.

 

• West Indies: Brandon King (c), Johnson Charles (wk), Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Keacy Carry, Kharry Pierre, Justin Greaves, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds.

 

Players To Watch Out For In AFG vs WI 1st T20I Match

 

• Ibrahim Zadran | AFG:  Ibrahim Zadran has turned out to be one of the most reliable batters for Afghanistan in white-ball cricket. He is one such batter who initially takes his time to settle down at the crease and peaks at the right time with his temperament. He was the standout batter in the last series against Zimbabwe, scoring 169 runs in 3 games with a half-century in all three. Overall, he has featured in 58 T20I games and scored 1558 runs, including 13 half-centuries. He is likely to continue his form in this T20I series as well.

 

• Johnson Charles | WI: The West Indies' 37-year-old wicketkeeper is an explosive player who collects runs at a good strike rate. He had a stellar outing in the recently concluded ILT20 series, scoring 244 runs in just 10 innings. Overall, he has scored 1468 runs to his name in 63 innings. He is one player from the West Indies to watch out for in this clash.

 

AFG vs WI 1st T20I Toss Prediction

 

Historical Toss-Winning Stats at the Venue

 

• In the last three T20I matches played at this venue, the teams that won the toss have opted to bowl on all three occasions.

 

Advantages of Bowling First on This Pitch

 

• The team batting first at this venue has won 49 out of the total 104 T20I matches played here, while the teams batting second have won 53 games. 

 

AFG vs WI T20I Today's Match Scenario

 

Scenario 1

 

• Toss Winner: Afghanistan (opts to bowl first)
• Power-Play Score: 40-42
• WI Total: 145-155
• Match Winner: Afghanistan

 

Scenario 2

 

• Toss Winner: West Indies (opts to bowl first)
• Power-Play Score: 42-45
• AFG Total: 155-165
• Match Winner: West Indies

 

Who will win today's AFG vs WI T20I match?

 

The Afghanistan team has been playing dominant cricket in the T20Is recently, whereas the West Indies are still struggling to find the right balance. Considering the recent form and squad depth, the Rashid Khan-led side holds an edge over the hosts in this match and is likely to win the first match.