Afghanistan outclassed West Indies by 38 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series in Dubai. Powered by blistering knocks from Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli, Afghanistan posted 181/3 in their 20 overs. In reply, West Indies lost half their side by the ninth over. Quinten Sampson, Gudakesh Motie, Forde and Johnson Charles tried their best, but their efforts fell short as West Indies lost the match.

Ziaur Rahman (3/36 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for Afghanistan, while Rashid Khan (2/19 in 4 overs) was the most economical. With this win, Afghanistan took a 1-0 lead in the series.

Zadran and Rasooli Rebuild After Early Setback

Afghanistan suffered an early blow when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out off the very first ball. Gukesh Motie’s sharp direct hit caught Gurbaz short of his ground at the non-striker’s end. Soon after, Sediqullah Atal fell cheaply, hitting a short ball straight to Brandon King, who took an excellent one-handed catch at first slip.

At 19 for 2, Afghanistan were under pressure. However, Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli settled the innings with a calm and assured partnership. Zadran reached his fourth successive T20I half-century, showing great balance and control. He relied heavily on straight-batted shots to anything full and on the stumps, while also using the pace of the ball to hit cleanly through the line.

Rasooli played a contrasting but equally effective role. He worked the gaps with cross-batted strokes and kept the scoreboard ticking. After a brief quiet phase, he changed momentum by attacking Khary Pierre in the 15th over, hitting him for 4, 6 and 4.

Together, the pair added a massive 162 runs for the third wicket, lifting Afghanistan to a commanding position.

Missed Chances Hurt West Indies in the Field

West Indies’ troubles were compounded by poor fielding late in the innings. During the 18th and 19th overs, three catches were dropped in the outfield. Although Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph used slower balls and cutters effectively, luck did not favour them.

Gudakesh Motie dropped a straightforward chance at long-on off Rasooli. In the same over, Evin Lewis failed to hold on to Zadran’s catch at deep midwicket. Soon after, Shimron Hetmyer put down another chance at long-off, again reprieving Zadran.

Rasooli was eventually dismissed on the final ball of the innings while attempting a pull shot. By then, the damage had been done, with Afghanistan finishing on 181 for 3. Zadran later revealed at the innings break that the total was around 20 runs more than what Afghanistan had planned after the powerplay.

Spin Strangles West Indies Chase

Afghanistan’s bowlers wasted no time in exploiting the conditions. Mujeeb Ur Rahman set the tone early, spinning one sharply past Brandon King’s bat and pad in the opening over. West Indies reached 22 for 1 after four overs, but any hope of a quick start faded soon.

Ziaur Ahmed had an expensive introduction, conceding 16 runs off his first four balls as Johnson Charles attacked him with confidence. However, Ziaur struck back immediately, getting the ball to rise off middle stump. Charles’ top-edge was safely taken by Rasooli.

Despite conceding 23 runs in his first two overs, Ziaur returned later to dismiss Quentin Sampson (30) and effectively end the chase. He finished with figures of 3 for 36, including the wicket of Khary Pierre, who was trapped lbw in the final over.

Rashid Khan Leads Afghanistan’s Spin Web

The most decisive spell of the match came from Rashid Khan. Introduced right after the powerplay, he bowled a tight line outside off stump with a quick trajectory that made big hitting difficult. Shimron Hetmyer fell attempting a slog sweep, while Amir Jangoo was undone by another sweep shot as the ball skidded into his pads.

Rashid bowled 15 dot balls in his four overs and conceded just 19 runs while taking two key wickets. Although Sampson struck him for two sixes in the 14th over on his T20I debut, those blows came too late to change the course of the match.

Afghanistan Close Out Comfortable Win

By the end of the 14th over, West Indies still needed 89 runs from the final six overs. Afghanistan tightened the screws further by bowling straight and taking pace off the ball. Once Sampson was dismissed in the next over, leaving West Indies at 95 for 6, the result was all but decided.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad combined to take six wickets, ensuring West Indies never threatened the target. The visitors eventually fell well short, as Afghanistan sealed a dominant 38-run victory and sent another strong message ahead of the T20 World Cup.