Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I 2026: Match Preview & Analysis

The second encounter between Afghanistan and West Indies is set to be an interesting match under the lights in Dubai. Afghanistan comes into the match with a winning streak and will want to continue it. West Indies, though, need a bounce back following a series of losses, which have cast doubt on their consistency and performance. 

The recent form of Afghanistan represents a team that has become confident, disciplined, and with defined roles. West Indies possesses a potential for explosiveness, yet has been unable to put together performance after performance. The contrasting momentum makes this encounter interesting.

Match Details

• Match: Afghanistan vs West Indies, 2nd T20I
• Date: Wednesday, 21 January 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM local time
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Recent Performance Analysis

Afghanistan Recent Form

Afghanistan enters the AFG vs WI 2nd T20I with outstanding momentum. Afghanistan has won the last five matches, with the first T20I of this series being won by a massive 38 runs. That performance underscored their balance, with strong batting where Ibrahim Zadran (87 off 56 balls) and Darwish Rasooli (84 off 59 balls) played stunning knocks to make Afghanistan win this match easily.  

Before this series, Afghanistan defeated Qatar and Zimbabwe, demonstrating uniformity in circumstances and resistance. This run is based on their capacity to defend and pursue patience at a slow pace. It is a high-confidence team that seems to have established roles in the squad.

The streak places Afghanistan in a strong position heading into the second game, where they have an opportunity to create a dominant advantage.

West Indies Recent Form

West Indies enters the game on the back of four straight losses in the last five games; they have finished with no result against New Zealand, being the only exception. Their last loss was in the first T20I against Afghanistan.

West Indies had a hard time against New Zealand prior to this series and had lost several close matches that highlighted areas of weakness in batting depth and bowling discipline. Despite flash performances, the team has not been able to turn individual performances into wins.

The AFG vs WI 2nd T20I provides West Indies with an opportunity to end their downward spiral and restore self-esteem.

Head-to-Head Record

The latest games have been characterized by competition. During the past five matches, Afghanistan have won three matches, and West Indies have won 2 matches. The last confrontation was on 19 January 2026, where Afghanistan won by 38 runs, which gave them a psychological advantage.

There have been previous experiences that have gone both ways. In June 2024, West Indies won by 104 runs, and in November 2019, Afghanistan won two consecutive matches and lost one. Neither side can be taken lightly, and momentum often decides these contests when they clash.

Batters to Watch

Batting performances are likely to define the outcome of the Afghanistan vs West Indies contest, especially on a surface that rewards patience early and power later.

Afghanistan Batters

Ibrahim Zadran has been a key pillar of Afghanistan. He grounds innings as he turns strike, giving his teammates freedom to play. His strong average and steady run-scoring come in at the top.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz makes it more aggressive and fast. With an attacking powerplay, he is capable of shifting momentum within a short period when in rhythm. Afghanistan counted on him to put early pressure and take advantage of fielding restrictions.

West Indies Batters

Alick Athanaze has shown glimpses of class and composure. His consistency is still a problem, but his pace and spin give him a strong top-order selection.

Amir Jangoo has brought some light to the recent matches. His strong average shows effect in a few matches, and West Indies are hoping that he will achieve his prospects in this match.

Batters to Watch – Recent Stats

Batter	Team	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate
Ibrahim Zadran	Afghanistan	9	345	49.29	122.77
Rahmanullah Gurbaz	Afghanistan	9	278	30.89	148.66
Alick Athanaze	West Indies	8	189	23.63	128.57
Amir Jangoo	West Indies	5	128	42.67	129.29

Bowlers to Watch

Bowling control will be vital in the AFG vs WI 2nd T20I, particularly in the middle overs and at the death.

Afghanistan Bowlers

Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s biggest weapon. He is a constant threat due to his rate of economy and wicket-taking, especially on slow surfaces. He tends to change the games with his experience in pressure situations.

This variety is provided by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and his new-ball and middle-over bowling. He restricts the scoring and also pressurizes the opponent, complementing the attacking type of game Rashid plays and putting pressure on opponents.

West Indies Bowlers

Jayden Seales is at the forefront of the attack by the West Indies. He attracts bounce and movement, troubling the upper-order batters, but is still difficult to be consistent.

Matthew Forde is the one who adds stability and change. His economy indicates that he is able to restrain the runs, and the West Indies are able to look at him to make a breakthrough at a critical time.

Bowlers to Watch – Recent Stats

Bowler	Team	Matches	Wickets	Economy	Strike Rate
Rashid Khan	Afghanistan	8	13	5.17	13.38
Mujeeb Ur Rahman	Afghanistan	7	13	7.16	12.30
Jayden Seales	West Indies	6	7	9.83	19.71
Matthew Forde	West Indies	5	5	7.21	22.80

Squad Depth and Balance

Afghanistan still demonstrates a good balance. The team combinations are made flexible with experienced all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib. Their bowling department, which includes Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, and Noor Ahmad provides all-round efforts.

The batting of Afghanistan is a combination of stability and aggression. Ibrahim Zadran anchors, whereas Gurbaz and Darwish Rasooli add intent, which allows the team to adjust to suit any situation.

West Indies are deep yet lacking in consistency. The team has strong hitters, all-rounders, and a diverse bowling attack, and it is hard to combine personal performances to create consistent team performances.

West Indies' leadership and experience of Shimron Hetmyer and leadership of Brandon King are vital in regrouping and refining West Indies plans.

Tactical Battle Points

Afghanistan will exercise early pressure through disciplined bowling and controlled starts. They will try to build partnerships and control the middle overs with spin.

West Indies needs to address premature failures and enhance strike rotation. They need sharp fielding and improved death-over execution to counter the momentum of Afghanistan.

Match Prediction and Outlook

The Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20I carries significant weight in the context of the Afghanistan-West Indies T20 series 2026. The form, confidence, and recent success of the head-to-head give Afghanistan an advantage. West Indies possess the ability to bounce back if they have plans that are well laid and disciplined.

Key moments with the bat and ball may determine this match. Look forward to a tough battle in which the ability to adjust and composure in the face of adversity will rule the day as both teams play hard towards a vital result.