Rashid, Mujeeb Spin Magic Helps Afghanistan Crush West Indies by 38 Runs

Afghanistan ’s Ibrahim Zadran (24) and Darwish Rasooli (25) smashed a record-breaking third-wicket partnership to guide their team to a 38-run victory over the West Indies in the first Twenty20 International of their three-match series on Monday.

Zadran scored a career-best unbeaten 87 off 56 balls, while Rasooli contributed 84 off 59 deliveries. The pair combined for 162 runs , Afghanistan’s highest-ever third-wicket stand in T20s , lifting the team to a total of 181 for 3 .

Afghanistan suffered an early setback when Rahmanullah Gurbaz , regarded as one of Afghanistan’s top young batting talents , was run out on the very first ball. Sediqullah Atal soon followed, leaving Afghanistan at 2 for 19 . However, Zadran and Rasooli steadied the innings and accelerated strongly in the final overs .

West Indies’ top-order struggled against Afghanistan’s spin duo of Rashid Khan (2-19) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2-29) . Debutant Quentin Sampson (30) and Gudakesh Motie (28) offered some resistance, but West Indies were eventually restricted to 143 for 9 .

Fast bowler Ziaur Rahman (3-36) claimed key wickets, while Rashid and Mujeeb picked two each to secure the win. West Indies captain Brandon King admitted his side fell short. “We showed glimpses of good cricket, but Afghanistan’s spinners made the difference. We will review and come back stronger,” he said.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan praised the team’s performance. “As long as we bring our best skills to the game, the result will follow, whether we bat first or second . The team is fit , and we are hopeful of a strong showing in the T20 World Cup .”

The second and third T20Is of the series will be played on Wednesday and Thursday .

Short Scorecard

Afghanistan 181/3 (20 overs):

Ibrahim Zadran 87* (56), Darwish Rasooli 84 (59)

Khary Pierre 0/42, Gudakesh Motie 0/18

West Indies 143/9 (20 overs):

Quentin Sampson 30, Gudakesh Motie 28

Ziaur Rahman 3/36, Rashid Khan 2/19, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/29

Result:

Afghanistan won by 38 runs

Series:

Afghanistan lead 1-0