Afghanistan delivered a commanding performance to defeat West Indies by 38 runs in the first T20I in Dubai, continuing their rise as one of the most dangerous sides in world T20 cricket. Batting first, Afghanistan posted an imposing 181/3, built on a brilliant unbeaten 87 from Ibrahim Zadran and a fluent 84 from Darwish Rasooli, before their bowlers strangled West Indies to 143/9 in reply.
The match was effectively shaped by Afghanistan’s top-order authority. Zadran and Rasooli controlled the innings with a blend of classical strokeplay and modern power-hitting, exposing West Indies’ inconsistent bowling and erratic fielding. Their partnership not only provided runs but also set the tempo that Afghanistan maintained throughout the innings.
Afghanistan’s start was measured rather than explosive. The openers focused on assessing conditions, allowing themselves time before expanding their range. Once settled, Zadran in particular looked in complete command, piercing gaps with precision and punishing anything short or wide. His shot selection was disciplined, a key factor in sustaining momentum without unnecessary risk.
Rasooli complemented him perfectly. Where Zadran anchored the innings, Rasooli played with natural fluency, accelerating through the middle overs and ensuring the run rate never dipped. His ability to rotate strike against spin and attack pace made it difficult for West Indies to settle into a consistent bowling plan.
The pair’s partnership frustrated the West Indies attack, who struggled to find breakthroughs or control the scoring. Missed lengths and predictable variations allowed Afghanistan to keep the pressure firmly on. By the time the final overs arrived, Afghanistan were perfectly placed to launch a controlled assault, pushing their total well beyond par.
In response, West Indies never truly looked comfortable. Afghanistan’s bowlers struck early, removing key batters and forcing West Indies into a rebuilding mode that T20 cricket rarely rewards. The required run rate climbed steadily, and with wickets falling regularly, the chase lost shape.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack showcased discipline and intelligence. Rather than chasing wickets with flashy deliveries, they focused on tight lines, smart pace changes, and attacking the stumps. The spinners, in particular, applied the squeeze through the middle overs, exploiting West Indies’ tendency to force shots under pressure.
Fielding also played a crucial role. Afghanistan were sharp in the ring, cutting off singles and turning ones into twos, which further strangled West Indies’ scoring options. The cumulative pressure resulted in poor shot selection from the batters, leading to a steady collapse.
Despite a few late blows, West Indies fell well short, finishing on 143/9, a reflection of Afghanistan’s control rather than just West Indies’ shortcomings. The margin of victory underlined how comprehensively Afghanistan dictated every phase of the match.
This win gives Afghanistan a 1–0 lead in the series and reinforces their growing reputation as a tactically mature T20 side capable of beating traditional powerhouses. Performances like this are no longer surprises — they are becoming the standard.
For West Indies, the defeat raises familiar concerns around bowling discipline and batting composure. Against a well-drilled opponent, raw power alone was not enough. As the series progresses, they will need sharper execution and greater adaptability to challenge an Afghanistan side that looks confident, cohesive, and hungry for more success.
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