AFG vs WI Match Analysis
The 1st T20I between Afghanistan and West Indies sets the tone for the series at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a neutral venue that often rewards tactical clarity. With evening conditions and minimal dew expected, timing and match-ups will matter from the opening over.
Afghanistan arrive with momentum, having won four of their last five games, including a composed 25-run victory over Qatar in Doha. That performance showcased control rather than chaos, with Darwish Rasooli anchoring the innings and the bowlers defending a modest total through discipline. Under Rashid Khan’s leadership, AFG look settled, confident, and comfortable executing plans.
West Indies, by contrast, are searching for rhythm after a difficult tour of New Zealand. Their most recent outing ended in an eight-wicket loss in Dunedin, where their batting never quite imposed itself. Still, WI’s power profile remains dangerous, and with Brandon King leading from the front, they possess the explosive upside to flip momentum quickly.
Afghanistan vs West Indies Match Details
Match | Afghanistan vs West Indies | 1st T20I | Afghanistan v West Indies 2026 |
|---|---|
Date | 19/01/2026 (Monday) |
Time | BDT 8:30 PM / PKT 7:30 PM / INR 8:00 PM |
Format | T20 |
Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
Recent performance | Afghanistan – L W W W W, West Indies – W L L NR L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the AFG vs WI Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Dubai International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The Dubai surface traditionally offers a balanced contest, with true bounce early allowing stroke-makers to play through the line. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to slow slightly, bringing spinners and change-of-pace bowlers into play. Par scores generally sit in the 160–180 range, but adaptability often outweighs raw aggression here.
Weather Report
Conditions in Dubai are expected to be pleasant, with temperatures around 20°C and a low dew factor due to the significant gap between air temperature and dew point. This minimizes late-evening slipperiness, meaning captains won’t feel compelled to chase purely because of conditions, keeping toss decisions tactically open.
AFG vs WI Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 8 |
|---|---|
AFG Won | 3 |
WI Won | 5 |
Tied | 0 |
No Result | 0 |
First-ever Fixture | March 27, 2016 |
Most-recent Fixture | June 17, 2024 |
Afghanistan vs West Indies Team Preview & Squads
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan’s captaincy continues to be Afghanistan’s competitive edge. His ability to read phases, rotate bowlers precisely, and apply pressure through fields is particularly valuable in Dubai, where patience often beats flair. Rashid also remains the side’s most reliable match-winner with the ball.
Batting-wise, Afghanistan rely on a top-heavy but increasingly flexible structure. Rahmanullah Gurbaz provides power and intent at the top, while Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli add stability through the middle overs. The presence of Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib gives the lineup depth without sacrificing experience.
Afghanistan’s bowling is their calling card. Alongside Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad offer contrasting spin options, while Fazalhaq Farooqi leads the pace attack with new-ball control. Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round value allows AFG to lengthen their batting without weakening their bowling plans.
Afghanistan Squads
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran (vc), Abdollah Ahmadzai, Azmatullah Omarzai, Darwish Rasooli, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Shahidullah, Ziaur Rahman
West Indies
Brandon King’s leadership task is clear: restore clarity and confidence. His own batting form is central to that mission, as WI tend to function best when their captain sets the tempo upfront rather than firefighting later.
The West Indies batting unit is built around power, with Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, and Johnson Charles capable of shifting gears rapidly. However, recent matches have highlighted a need for better game awareness in the middle overs, where impatience has stalled promising starts.
Bowling remains a mixed bag. Jayden Seales provides discipline with the new ball, while Shamar Joseph brings raw pace and wicket-taking threat. Spin options like Gudakesh Motie and Khary Pierre will be tested by Dubai’s slower phases, making all-rounders such as Shamar Springer crucial for balance.
West Indies Squads
West Indies
Brandon King (c), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles (wk), Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo (wk), Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer
AFG vs WI Prediction
Event | Afghanistan | West Indies |
|---|---|---|
Toss Winner | Afghanistan | – |
Player of the Match | – | Brandon King |
Top Run Scorer | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Brandon King |
Top Wicket Taker | Rashid Khan | Shamar Joseph |
Most Sixes | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Brandon King |
Predicted Score | 170+ | 180+ |
Win Probability | 48% | 52% |
Afghanistan vs West Indies Winning Prediction
Afghanistan’s recent success has come from control and clarity, particularly their ability to defend totals through spin pressure and smart captaincy. West Indies, coming off a heavy defeat, are likely to counter with early aggression and simplified roles. The clash becomes one of discipline versus dynamism, with AFG probing patience while WI test resolve through power.
According to the above cricket analytical data, West Indies have a 52% chance of winning.
FAQ: Afghanistan v West Indies 2026 1st T20I
Who is the captain of Afghanistan in the 1st T20I against West Indies?
Rashid Khan is leading Afghanistan in this match.
At which ground will the opening T20I of the Afghanistan vs West Indies series take place?
The match is set to take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE.
How can fans watch the Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st T20I live?
The match will be streamed live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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