Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 87 and Darwish Rasooli’s 84 powered Afghanistan to 181 for 3 through a 162-run third-wicket stand, before Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad shared six wickets to restrict West Indies to 143 for 9 and seal a 38-run win in Dubai.
Dubai | By Niaz Shinwari
Afghanistan defeated West Indies by 38 runs in Dubai on Monday, powered by a dominant third-wicket partnership between Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli and a controlled bowling display led by the team’s spinners.
Afghanistan posted 181 for 3, with Zadran finishing unbeaten on 87 off 56 balls and Rasooli scoring 84, after the pair added 162 runs for the third wicket. West Indies, chasing 182, were restricted to 143 for 9.
Afghanistan’s spin trio of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad shared six wickets, keeping West Indies under pressure through the middle overs and limiting boundary chances on a surface that offered help to slower bowlers.
Afghanistan had a difficult start after Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out off the first ball and Sediqullah Atal fell soon after, leaving the side at 19 for 2. Zadran and Rasooli rebuilt the innings with a steady approach before accelerating late, including a key over from Rasooli that shifted momentum back in Afghanistan’s favour.
West Indies struggled to maintain the required run rate as wickets fell regularly, despite Quentin Sampson top-scoring with 30. Afghanistan’s bowlers closed out the match with disciplined lines and variations, completing a comfortable win.
The match was part of Afghanistan’s preparations ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup, with the team continuing to build form through high-level international fixtures.