Cricket fans are in for a treat as Afghanistan and the West Indies face off in a three-match T20I series, kicking off today, January 19, in the UAE. With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, this isn’t just a friendly rivalry – it’s a final dress rehearsal for cricket’s biggest stage.
Afghanistan are coming in with a no-nonsense approach. Captain Rashid Khan has his heavy hitters ready, fielding a squad that looks almost identical to the one they’ll take to the World Cup. It’s a perfect blend of experience and fresh energy; while veterans like Mohammad Nabi anchor the defense, all eyes are on the explosive duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and rising star Sediqullah Atal to set the tempo early.
On the other side, the West Indies are using this series to flex their incredible depth. Under Brandon King, the team is hungry to prove their bench strength. Shimron Hetmyer is back and ready to roar, while the lightning-fast Shamar Joseph is all set to spearhead a youthful, aggressive bowling attack.
AFG vs WI: T20I Fixtures
- 1st T20I: January 19 – Dubai International Cricket Stadium – 8:00 pm IST/ 2:30 pm IST/ 6:30 pm Local
- 2nd T20I: January 21 – Dubai International Cricket Stadium – 8:00 pm IST/ 2:30 pm IST/ 6:30 pm Local
- 3rd T20I: January 22 – Dubai International Cricket Stadium – 8:00 pm IST/ 2:30 pm IST/ 6:30 pm Local
Squads:
Afghanistan: Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Gulbadin Naib, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Ishaq, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai
West Indies: Evin Lewis, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles (wk), Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Quentin Sampson, Gudakesh Motie, Amir Jangoo, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, Shamar Springer, Khary Pierre, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Joseph.
Source: Cricket Times
