Rasooli, Zadran star as Afghanistan cruise past West Indies by 38 runs in the first T20I in Dubai after dominant batting and a clinical bowling display.
Rasooli, Zadran star as Afghanistan cruise past West Indies
Rasooli, Zadran star as Afghanistan cruise past West Indies in a commanding all-round performance as the hosts registered a 38-run victory in the first T20I at Dubai. Eighties from Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli laid the foundation before Afghanistan’s bowlers produced a disciplined display to choke West Indies’ chase.
Afghanistan endured an early setback when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out off the very first delivery. Although Ibrahim Zadran found the boundary early, Jayden Seales removed Sediqullah Atal to reduce Afghanistan to 19 for 2 inside three overs.
The match turned decisively once Darwish Rasooli joined Zadran at the crease. The duo punished loose deliveries and powered Afghanistan to 53 for 2 at the end of the PowerPlay. Rasooli, Zadran star as Afghanistan cruise past West Indies became evident as the pair unleashed a sustained assault through the middle overs.
Both batters brought up well-crafted half-centuries in consecutive overs, benefiting from multiple dropped chances by the West Indies. Their 162-run partnership featured 16 fours and five sixes and completely tilted the contest. Afghanistan finished strongly, adding 53 runs in the final five overs to post an imposing 181 for 3.
In reply, the West Indies never found momentum. Brandon King was dismissed in the opening over by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, while tight spells from Azmatullah Omarzai increased the pressure. Johnson Charles showed brief resistance with a 16-ball 27 before being trapped lbw by Mujeeb.
The collapse continued as Rashid Khan struck twice in quick succession, leaving West Indies reeling at 50 for 5. A brief recovery through debutant Quentin Sampson and Matthew Forde revived hopes, but Afghanistan’s spinners returned to shut the door.
Noor Ahmad dismissed both Forde and Gudakesh Motie in the 18th over, ending all resistance. Ziaur Rahman Sharifi completed a fine spell with figures of 3 for 36 as West Indies limped to 143 for 9. Rasooli, Zadran star as Afghanistan cruise past West Indies was ultimately the story of a game decided by superior execution in all departments.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan 181/3 in 20 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 87*, Darwish Rasooli 84)
West Indies 143/9 in 20 overs (Quentin Sampson 30)
Afghanistan won by 38 runs
