as the way to go ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 begins in earnest, Afghanistan and West India head-to-head in three high-stakes matches T20I series in the UAE. With weeks to go before the global tournament, this opening encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium serves as a vital dress rehearsal for two of the most explosive sides in the shortest format.
Both teams come to the UAE with a point to prove. Unbreakable led by Afghanistan Rashid KhanThey have selected a full-strength squad that reflects the World Cup roster. return of Gulbadin Naib while the young sensation bolsters an already formidable bowling attack Sediqullah Atal along with explosiveness, is looking to solidify his place at the top of the order Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Under West Indian leadership Brandon Kingtesting their bench strength and tactical agility. While the big names like it Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell will be missed, the staff remains dangerous. Shimron Hetmyer Fresh off a dominant franchise season, he returns to the fold in peak form and pace sensation Shamar Yusif expected to lead a hungry, young bowling unit.
AFG vs WI, 1st T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: January 19; 20:00 IST / 2:30 GMT / 18:30 Local
- Location: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
AFG vs WI Head to Head Record in T20Is
Matches played: 08 | Afghanistan won: 03 | West Indies Won: 05 | No Results/Closed: 00
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch report
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to feature a balanced surface that ensures a competitive contest between bat and ball. During the initial overs, the new ball often finds seam movement and extra bounce, making the Powerplay a critical stage for openers to survive. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to settle, allowing the batsmen to play their shots freely along the line. However, mid-January evening dew will be the determining factor; as the pitch flattens out, spinners may struggle to catch, favoring the side-swing from the second hand. Consequently, the captain who wins the toss will likely choose to bowl first to take advantage of the easier chase conditions.
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Groups
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Muhammad Ishaq (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasuli, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Muhammad Nabi, Shahidullah Kamal, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Faruqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Rahmanaur and Ziyaur.
West Indies: Brandon King (c), Johnson Charles (wk), Amir Jangoo (wk), Alik Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Quentin Sampson, Justin Greaves, Khary Pierre, Shamar Springer, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jaymond Seales and Ramon Simdens.
AFG vs WI, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Afghanistan wins the toss first
- West Indies powerplay score: 50-60
- West Indies Total Score: 180-190
Case 2:
- West Indies win the toss first
- Afghanistan power play score: 60-70
- Afghanistan’s overall score: 190-200
Match Result: The first bowling team to win the match.
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