A record-breaking partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli propelled Afghanistan to a 38-run victory over West Indies in the first T20 International of their series.
Zadran scored an unbeaten
87 from 56 balls, while Rasooli added 84 off 59 balls. Their combined effort of 162 runs helped Afghanistan reach a total of 181-3.
West Indies struggled against Afghanistan's experienced spinners, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Rashid took 2-19 and Mujeeb claimed 2-29. Despite efforts from debutant Quentin Sampson, who scored 30, and Gudakesh Motie with 28, West Indies managed only 143-9.
Afghanistan's Strong Performance
The match is part of both teams' preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. West Indies have yet to finalise their squad for the tournament. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan expressed confidence, stating, "As long as we are bringing our best skills to the game, it doesn't matter whether we bat first or second. "
West Indies started well when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out on the first ball. Captain Brandon King made a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Sediqullah Atal, reducing Afghanistan to 2-19 in the third over. However, Zadran and Rasooli's partnership turned the tide against some erratic West Indies bowling.
West Indies' Struggles
Motie briefly slowed Afghanistan's scoring with an economical spell of 0-18 in four overs. However, Zadran and Rasooli attacked the pace bowlers in the latter half of the innings. West Indies' fielding was also below par, with at least three dropped catches in the final overs as Afghanistan added 70 runs in the last six overs.
Fast bowlers Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph conceded a combined 91 runs in eight overs. Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre was also expensive with figures of 0-42. Forde managed a consolation wicket when Rasooli was caught after hitting eight boundaries and two sixes.
Key Moments in the Match
West Indies faltered early in their innings, losing three wickets for just 42 runs during the powerplay. Mujeeb bowled King in the first over, Rasooli caught Evin Lewis' top-edge, and Johnson Charles was lbw attempting a switch hit against Mujeeb's quicker ball.
Rashid Khan further dented West Indies' hopes by taking two wickets in consecutive overs, including Shimron Hetmyer for just three runs off seven balls. This left West Indies struggling at 5-50 by the ninth over.
Sampson and Forde provided some resistance with a partnership of 45 runs. However, fast bowler Ziaur Rahman returned to claim two wickets in his spell, finishing with figures of 3-36 despite conceding 16 runs off his first four balls.
"We are disappointed to lose the game," said Brandon King. "We showed glimpses of good cricket but it wasn't good enough. " He acknowledged Afghanistan's strong spin attack and mentioned plans to review their performance during their day off.
The remaining matches of the series are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
With inputs from PTI
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