After sealing the T20I series with a convincing victory in the second match, Afghanistan will look to achieve a clean sweep when they take the field against the West Indies in the third and final T20I match of the series. This T20I match is scheduled to be held at DICS in Dubai on Thursday, January 22.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan, after beating the West Indies in the series opener, sealed the series with another dominant victory by 39 runs in the second T20I match on Wednesday. While batting first, they posted 189 for the loss of 4 wickets in their 20 overs, thanks to the half-centuries from Sediquallah Atal and Darwish Rasool. While defending this total, they bundled out the West Indies for just 150 runs; it was Mujeeb Ur Rahman's four-fer that didn't let the West Indies get back into the game. With the series already in their pocket, they are aiming to whitewash the Men in Maroon with a victory in the third match.
West Indies
The West Indies have not been upto their best in this format. After losing to New Zealand in the previous series, they are now on the verge of getting whitewashed by Afghanistan. It was a terrible display of performance from Men in Maroon in the second T20I as well; they failed to deliver from both batting and bowling. While chasing a target of 190 runs, they could only post 150 runs. Brandon King scored a half-century, and Shimron Hetmyer was able to collect 46 runs from just 17 deliveries. With the T20I World Cup next month, the visitors still need to find the right balance for a 'perfect squad'.
AFG vs WI 3rd T20I Match Details
| AFG vs WI T20I Match Details | |
| Match | Afghanistan vs West Indies 3rd T20I Match |
| Date and Time | Thursday, January 22; 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 3rd T20I Pitch Report
The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DISC) is likely to be a surface that will favour spinners more than pacers. 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 160-170 is difficult if the bowling side bowls tight lines.
AFG vs WI 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 | 10 |
| Won by Afghanistan | 5 |
| Won by West Indies | 5 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
AFG vs WI 3rd T20I Probable XI
- Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
- West Indies: Brandon King (c), Johnson Charles (wk), Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Kharry Pierre, Ramon Simmonds, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Alick Athanaze, Matthew Forde.
Players To Watch Out For In AFG vs WI 3rd T20I Match
- Darwish Rasooli | AFG: This 26-year-old batter has scored two consecutive half-centuries in this series. In the first match, he scored 84 runs, followed by another brilliant 68 runs from just 39 deliveries. He has been in sublime touch with his bat. He has 152 runs at a phenomenal average of 76. He is likely to continue his form in this third T20I series as well.
- Brandon King | WI: The West Indies' skipper on this tour finally showcased his ability, scoring 50 runs from 41 deliveries. He has been out of touch with his bat lately, but considering this inning, he will aim to score even better in the final match. He is one player from the West Indies to watch out for in this clash.
AFG vs WI 3rd T20I Toss Prediction
Historical Toss-Winning Stats at the Venue
- In the last five T20I matches played at this venue, the teams that won the toss have opted to bowl on four occasions and bat once.
Advantages of Batting First on This Pitch
- The team batting first at this venue has won 51 out of the total 106 T20I matches played here, while the teams batting second have won 53 games. The last two matches (this series) have been won by the batting first team only.
AFG vs WI T20I Today's Match Scenario
Scenario 1
- Toss Winner: Afghanistan (opts to bat first)
- Power-Play Score: 42-45
- AFG Total: 165-175
- Match Winner: Afghanistan
Scenario 2
- Toss Winner: West Indies (opts to bat first)
- Power-Play Score: 40-42
- WI Total: 145-155
- Match Winner: Afghanistan
Who will win today's AFG vs WI T20I match?
The Afghanistan team has already sealed the series after their impressive victory in the second match. The batting lineup of Afghanistan has been brimming with confidence with the regular run flow, while their spin bowlers have been consistently picking up good wickets. Considering the recent form of the Afghanistan team, the Rashid Khan-led side is likely to win the first match.
