Afghanistan aim to seal the series as they face West Indies in the second T20I at Dubai International Cricket Stadium after a dominant 38-run win in the opener. West Indies, meanwhile, look to stay alive in the series and address their batting struggles against quality spin.
The contest carries added significance as Afghanistan push for consistency at home-like UAE conditions, while West Indies search for answers ahead of upcoming international assignments.
Match details
Match Afghanistan vs West Indies, 2nd T20I
Series Afghanistan and West Indies in the UAE 2026
Date Wednesday, January 21
Venue Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Start time 8:00 PM IST, 7:30 PM PST, 2:30 PM GMT
Afghanistan Team Overview
Afghanistan produced one of their most complete T20I performances in the series opener, combining composure with controlled aggression. Opting to bat first, they posted a strong 181 for 3, built around an outstanding partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli. Zadran anchored the innings with an unbeaten 87 off 56 balls, while Rasooli complemented him with a fluent 84 off 59. Their partnership, which began early in the innings, allowed Afghanistan to maintain momentum without exposing the middle order.
With the ball, Afghanistan showed discipline and tactical clarity. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman controlled the middle overs, picking up two wickets each and applying constant pressure. The spin unit exploited West Indies’ lack of fluency against slower bowling, while the fielding unit backed the bowlers with sharp work.
Afghanistan are unlikely to make changes after such a comprehensive showing. Rashid Khan’s leadership has brought clarity to bowling plans, and the top order appears settled heading into a potential series-clinching match.
West Indies Team Overview
West Indies struggled to match Afghanistan’s intensity in the opening T20I, particularly with the bat. Chasing 182, they lost wickets at regular intervals and found themselves five down by the halfway stage. Debutant Quentin Sampson top-scored with 30 off 24 balls, but a lack of partnerships prevented any sustained chase.
Bowling-wise, Gudakesh Motie stood out with an economical spell, conceding just 18 runs and showing control on a surface that offered limited assistance. However, the rest of the attack leaked runs during the latter half of the Afghan innings, allowing the hosts to finish strongly.
Led by Brandon King, West Indies need a more decisive approach from their top order, particularly from experienced players like Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer. Adjusting to Afghanistan’s spin threat will remain their biggest challenge in the second T20I.
Head-to-Head Record
Afghanistan and West Indies have now met nine times in T20 internationals. West Indies still hold a narrow overall advantage with five wins, while Afghanistan have secured four victories. However, recent encounters suggest the gap has narrowed significantly, especially in spin-friendly conditions.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The surface used in the first T20I offered true bounce and value for shots early. As the ball aged, spinners extracted some grip, making strokeplay harder during the middle overs. Batters who spent time at the crease found opportunities to score freely, particularly straight and through the line. Teams will again target the powerplay to maximise returns against the hard new ball. A first-innings score in the range of 170 to 185 is expected to be competitive.
Predicted Playing XIs
Afghanistan
Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (captain), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi
West Indies
Brandon King (captain), Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles (wicketkeeper), Amir Jangoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales
Players to Watch
Ibrahim Zadran enters the second T20I brimming with confidence after registering his highest T20I score. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate at key moments makes him central to Afghanistan’s batting plans. Rashid Khan remains the key bowling figure, having delivered 15 dot balls in the first match and dictated terms during the middle overs.
For West Indies, Gudakesh Motie’s control with the ball and Quentin Sampson’s intent with the bat offer positives to build on, but senior batters must shoulder greater responsibility.
Broadcast and Live Streaming Information
The Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website in India and Pakistan. There is no confirmed television broadcast in India or Pakistan, with digital platforms remaining the primary viewing option. UK viewers can access the match through FanCode’s global streaming service, while Australian and other international audiences can follow the action via official Afghanistan Cricket Board digital partners where available.
Match Prediction
Afghanistan enter the second T20I with momentum, clarity in selection, and strong adaptability to Dubai conditions. West Indies possess individual match-winners, but their inability to handle sustained spin pressure places them at a disadvantage. Unless the West Indies top order responds decisively, Afghanistan are well placed to control the game and secure an unassailable lead in the series.
