Afghanistan sealed a thrilling victory against the West Indies in a high-stakes T20I clash on 27 January, lifting spirits at a time when the nation’s cricket credentials are under scrutiny. The match, staged at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, saw the underdogs pull off a chase that left the Caribbean side reeling.

Ahead of the encounter, both sides entered with contrasting recent performances. Afghanistan had been riding a modest surge after a narrow defeat to Australia, while the West Indies were seeking redemption after a disappointing series loss against India. Captain Rashid Khan opted for a bold opening spell, aiming to exploit the fading evening light and the pitch’s early tendency to assist seam bowlers.

The turning point arrived when Ibrahim Zadran entered the attack in the 12th over. The 23-year-old all-rounder, renowned for his ability to generate bounce on any surface, unleashed a rapid series of deliveries that dismantled the West Indies middle order. Zadran claimed 3 wickets for 22 runs, his figures the most economical in the innings.

Afghanistan’s chase, set at 145 for victory, began with a nervous start as opener Mohammad Shahzad fell cheaply for 12. Yet, Zadran’s earlier spell had already punctured the West Indies’ confidence, and the Afghan middle order found composure. Gulbadan Khan steadied the ship with a patient 38, while spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman added 22 off 20 balls, using his wristy variations to pick up three crucial wickets in the final overs.

The match swung dramatically in the 18th over when Zadran returned to bowl a power-play over. He struck twice, hitting the stumps of the West Indies’ seasoned all-rounder Andre Russell, who had been the leading scorer with 56. This double-wicket over turned the momentum firmly in Afghanistan’s favour, allowing them to finish the chase with eight balls to spare.

Key Performances

Ibrahim Zadran emerged as the match’s standout performer, his economy rate of 5.5 runs per over coupled with three wickets solidifying his reputation as a dependable middle-order bowler. In addition, Gulbadan Khan contributed a gritty 38 off 45 balls, providing the backbone for the chase. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, despite his batting cameo, finished with an impressive 22 from 20, showcasing his all-round utility.

Post-match, Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan praised Zadran’s composure, stating, “Ibrahim’s ability to read the pitch and strike at the right moments is invaluable. His figures gave us the platform to chase comfortably.” West Indies’ vice-captain Nicholas Pooran acknowledged the dismissal, calling it “a hard-won lesson; we need to tighten our middle order discipline.”

The win bolsters Afghanistan’s confidence ahead of upcoming fixtures, while West Indies will aim to tighten their middle order in future series.

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