Afghanistan started the series by putting up a dominant performance in all departments, as they defeated West Indies by 38 runs in the first T20 international. A good batting performance, led by the contribution of Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli, followed by good bowling and fielding, helped Afghanistan take a positive start in the series.

Afghanistan innings: Zadran-Rasooli

After being sent to bat, Afghanistan started off quite aggressively despite losing some early wickets. The powerplay score (0.1-6.0 overs) went to 51 runs with the loss of two wickets, and then the third-wicket partnership suddenly shifted the balance entirely in Afghanistan's favor.

Zadran and Darwish Rasooli then played a fluent partnership, adding 50 in 34 deliveries for the third wicket. Afghanistan were 81/2 in 10 overs at the drinks break. Zadran was on 42, while Darwish Rasooli was on 34. They were completely in control.
Zadran reached his 50-run mark with style, scoring 50 off 37 deliveries including 6 fours and 1 six. Rasooli played his part to perfection, scoring 50 off 36 deliveries including 5 fours and 1 six, helping Afghanistan surpass 100 runs against Pakistan’s attack.

The pair continued to dig in to the West Indies bowling, scoring 150 runs off 17.3 overs. The third-wicket partnership proved to be the fulcrum of this innings, eventually leading to Afghanistan registering an imposing total. The innings came to an end with Afghanistan at 181/3 off 20 overs, with Ibrahim Zadran remaining unbeaten on 87, while Rasooli scored an innings-turning innings.

West Indies Innings: Early Collapse Derails the Chase

Pursuing a total of 182 runs, West Indies were never really in the game. The Afghani bowlers struck early, getting the visitors down to 45/3 in the power play. The turning point came in the over 5.2 when the West Indies reviewed a decision, sending back Johnson Charles.
West Indies reached their 50 in 8.3 overs, but wickets kept falling in rapid succession. Team West Indies struggled to 57-5 in their first drinks break as Afghanistan were in command. Yet another critical review in over 11.2 this time by Afghanistan led to MW Forde’s dismissal.

Although the visitors were able to cross 100 runs in 14.4 overs, there was a constant increase in the required run rate. The Afghani bowlers were maintaining a strict run rate, and their fielding did not allow any easy runs to be scored. West Indies were eventually left with 143/9 in 20 overs.

Result and Player of the Match

Afghanistan completed an innings win by 38 runs to prove their growing prowess in T20 cricket.
The Afghan players celebrate their

Player of the Match:

Darwish Rasooli (Afghanistan) - an excellent all-round show scoring 84 runs and taking three outstanding catches that turned out to be decisive for his team’s win. This victory gives Afghanistan an initial lead in the series, and West Indies certainly require an improved performance in order to come back in the next match.