AFG vs WI 2026: 2nd T20I Match Prediction

The Clash Continues: Afghanistan vs West Indies in the Second T20I

The exhilarating T20 series between Afghanistan (AFG) and the West Indies (WI) continues with the second match set to take place at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, January 21. In the opening match, Afghanistan, led by the dynamic Rashid Khan, secured a convincing 38-run victory over the West Indies.

Match Recap

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 181/3 in their allotted 20 overs. The young guns Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli showcased their talent with impressive half-centuries. Zadran’s unbeaten 87 off 56 deliveries and Rasooli’s 84 off 59 laid the foundation for their team’s success. The duo combined forces early in the innings and batted through till the end. Gudakesh Motie from the West Indies put up a valiant effort with the ball, conceding only 18 runs.

In response, the West Indies found themselves in trouble as they lost half their side by the halfway mark. Debutant Quentin Sampson showed promise with a quickfire 30 off 24 balls, but lacked support from his teammates. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman led the Afghan bowling attack, claiming two wickets each to stifle the West Indian batting lineup.

Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Pitch Analysis

The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the first T20I provided a balanced contest between bat and ball. While spinners found some assistance with the older ball, batsmen who settled in were able to launch big shots. With the new ball expected to play a crucial role, teams will look to capitalize on the powerplay overs and set a solid foundation for the innings.

Key Players to Watch

Ibrahim Zadran: After his stellar performance in the previous match, Zadran will be a key player to watch out for in the second T20I. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries makes him a vital cog in the Afghan batting lineup.

Rashid Khan: The star spinner will aim to replicate his dominant performance in the first match. With his precision and control, Khan can turn the game in Afghanistan’s favor once again.

Predicted Lineups

Afghanistan (AFG):

• Ibrahim Zadran
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
• Sediqullah Atal
• Darwish Rasooli
• Mohammad Nabi
• Azmatullah Omarzai
• Gulbadin Naib
• Rashid Khan (c)
• Noor Ahmad
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman
• Ziaur Rahman Sharifi

West Indies (WI):

• Brandon King (c)
• Evin Lewis
• Johnson Charles (wk)
• Amir Jangoo
• Shimron Hetmyer
• Quentin Sampson
• Matthew Forde
• Gudakesh Motie
• Shamar Joseph
• Khary Pierre
• Jayden Seales

Match Prediction

With Afghanistan’s strong performance in the first T20I, they are likely to carry the momentum into the second match. The combination of solid batting and effective bowling makes them the favorites to secure another victory and potentially seal the series against the West Indies.

Team Form and Momentum

Heading into the second T20I, Afghanistan holds the upper hand with a comprehensive victory in the first match. The team’s confidence will be soaring, especially after the impressive performances from Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli. The momentum gained from a convincing win can play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the upcoming match.

On the other hand, the West Indies will be looking to regroup and come back stronger in the second T20I. With experienced players like Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer in their lineup, the West Indies have the capability to bounce back and pose a tough challenge for Afghanistan.

Impact of Conditions and Team Strategy

Considering the pitch conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, both teams will need to adapt their strategies accordingly. Afghanistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, could prove to be a potent weapon on this surface. The West Indies, known for their power-hitting approach, may need to adjust to the slower nature of the pitch and find a balance between aggression and stability.

The role of the powerplay overs will be crucial in setting the tone for the innings. Teams will need to capitalize on the fielding restrictions and make the most of the early overs to gain an advantage. The ability to rotate strike, find boundaries, and maintain wickets in hand will be key factors in determining the outcome of the match.

Player Battles to Watch

One intriguing battle to watch out for in the second T20I will be between Rashid Khan and the West Indian batsmen. Rashid’s mastery in the art of leg-spin and variations poses a significant challenge for any batting lineup. How the West Indies approach and counter Rashid’s threat will be a decisive factor in the match.

Another key battle could unfold between Ibrahim Zadran and the West Indian bowlers. Zadran’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a vital cog in Afghanistan’s batting unit. The West Indies will need to devise a plan to contain Zadran and break his rhythm early in the innings.

Final Thoughts

As the clash between Afghanistan and the West Indies intensifies in the second T20I, all eyes will be on the players to deliver another thrilling encounter. With both teams possessing a mix of youth and experience, the match promises to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and determination. Fans can expect a competitive battle as Afghanistan seeks to consolidate their lead and the West Indies aims to stage a comeback in the series.

Stay tuned for the second T20I as the rivalry between Afghanistan and the West Indies unfolds on the grand stage of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.