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Afghanistan head into the second T20I in Dubai with a 1-0 series lead and a massive surge of momentum after their clinical 38-run victory on Monday. For the West Indies, this is a must-win encounter to keep the three-match series alive and find their rhythm ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in February.
In the series opener, Afghanistan overcame a disastrous start (losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck on the first ball) thanks to a record-breaking 162-run partnership between Ibrahim Zadran (87)* and Darwish Rasooli (84). Their total of 181/3 proved too much for a West Indies side missing several regulars.
The West Indies chase never took flight. Despite a quick 27 from Johnson Charles, they were strangled by the Afghan spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad. Debutant Quentin Sampson provided a late spark with 30, but the Windies ultimately finished at 143/9.
AFG vs WI, 2nd T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: January 21; 8:00 pm IST / 2:30 am GMT / 6:30 pm Local
- Venue: Dubai international cricket stadium, Dubai
AFG vs WI Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Matches played: 09 | Afghanistan won: 04 | West Indies won: 05 | No result/Tied: 00
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for offering a well-balanced surface that engages both batters and bowlers. With a fresh pitch in play, the early overs tend to provide good carry and a hint of seam, turning the powerplay into a challenging phase for openers. As the match progresses, the wicket settles into a consistent, true-bounce track, allowing batters to play their strokes freely and time the ball through the line. However, mid-January conditions add an extra layer of intrigue. Falling temperatures help the ball swing under lights, while dew becomes a decisive factor later in the evening. The moisture makes gripping the ball difficult for spinners in the second innings, often tilting the contest in favour of the chasing side and keeping par totals in the 160–170 range.
Squads
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Shahidullah Kamal, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad and Ziaur Rahman.
West Indies: Brandon King (c), Johnson Charles (wk), Amir Jangoo (wk), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Quentin Sampson, Justin Greaves, Khary Pierre, Shamar Springer, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales and Ramon Simmonds.
AFG vs WI, 2nd T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Afghanistan wins the toss and bowls first
- West Indies’ powerplay score: 40-50
- West Indies’ total score: 160-170
Case 2:
- West Indies wins the toss and bowls first
- Afghanistan’s powerplay score: 60-70
- Afghanistan’s total score: 190-200
Match result: Afghanistan to win the match.
Also READ: Afghanistan vs West Indies 2026, T20I series: Date, Match Time, Broadcast and Live Streaming details