Afghanistan Clinch Tense T20 Victory Over West Indies
Afghanistan registered an impressive win against West Indies in their T20 international played in January 2026, producing a disciplined all-round performance to outplay the power-packed Caribbean side. The match was closely fought till the final overs, keeping fans engaged throughout.
Match Summary
- Match: Afghanistan vs West Indies, T20 International
- Date: 20 January 2026
- Result: Afghanistan won
- Format: 20 overs per side
Afghanistan Set a Competitive Total
Batting first, Afghanistan national cricket team posted a solid total of 168 for 6 in 20 overs. The innings was built around smart batting rather than reckless hitting.
Senior all-rounder Mohammad Nabi played a key role in the middle overs, scoring a steady 38 runs and anchoring the innings. He was well supported by aggressive cameos from the top order, which helped Afghanistan keep the scoreboard ticking. The final five overs produced quick runs, allowing them to finish strongly.
West Indies’ bowlers pulled things back at times, especially in the death overs, but Afghanistan’s running between the wickets and boundary placement ensured a defendable total.
West Indies Fall Short in the Chase
Chasing 169 to win, West Indies cricket team started positively. The openers took advantage of the powerplay, scoring freely in the early overs. Middle-order batter Nicholas Pooran stood out with an attacking knock, keeping West Indies in the hunt.
However, Afghanistan’s spinners turned the game around in the middle overs. Tight bowling and regular wickets slowed the run rate and increased pressure on the West Indies batters. Despite a late hitting effort in the final overs, West Indies could only manage 160 for 8 in 20 overs, falling short by 8 runs.
Key Highlights
- Afghanistan scored 168/6 after batting first
- West Indies replied with 160/8
- Strong spin bowling proved decisive
- Afghanistan held their nerve in the final overs
What This Win Means
The victory underlined Afghanistan’s growing confidence and consistency in T20 cricket, especially against established teams. Their ability to defend a competitive total with smart bowling and sharp fielding showed maturity and planning.
For West Indies, the match highlighted their batting depth but also exposed the need for better handling of quality spin bowling. While there were flashes of brilliance, consistency remained an issue.
Overall, the January 2026 T20I between Afghanistan and West Indies was a thrilling contest that showcased balance between power and precision — with Afghanistan emerging as deserved winners.