Who Will Win Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20 2026 Match Prediction – 21st January
The Afghanistan vs West Indies prediction for the 2nd T20I points towards another intense battle as the two sides meet again at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Afghanistan currently lead the three-match series 1–0 after a dominant performance in the opening game, and they will be keen to seal the series with another victory. West Indies, on the other hand, are under pressure to bounce back and keep the series alive.
Afghanistan’s familiarity with conditions in Dubai gives them a clear edge. They have won 8 of the 12 T20Is played at this venue, using their world-class spin attack effectively. In contrast, West Indies are yet to register a T20I win at this ground, losing all five matches played here so far. This trend plays a major role in shaping the Afghanistan vs West Indies prediction, especially with slow surfaces expected again.
The first T20I showcased Afghanistan’s growing maturity in the shortest format. After early setbacks, Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli stitched together a record partnership to post a competitive total. Their spinners then completely controlled the chase, exposing West Indies’ vulnerability against quality spin. Afghanistan’s bowling trio of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman remains one of the most threatening combinations in world cricket.
West Indies will take positives from a few individual performances, but the absence of several first-choice players continues to hurt their balance. While their power-hitting can change games quickly, they must adapt better to the conditions. Considering recent form, venue history, and squad balance, the Afghanistan vs West Indies prediction slightly favours Afghanistan to extend their dominance and wrap up the series in Dubai.
- Afghanistan lead the series 1–0 after a convincing win
- Dubai conditions strongly favour Afghanistan’s spin attack
- West Indies are winless in T20Is at Dubai International Stadium
- Afghanistan start as favourites to seal the series
Match Details
| Match | AFG vs WI, 2nd T20I |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, 21 January 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai |
| Series | Afghanistan vs West Indies T20I Series 2026 |
Team Preview
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan national cricket team delivered a statement performance in the 1st T20I, underlining their strength in familiar UAE conditions. Losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the first ball could have unsettled them, but the composure shown afterward reflected a team that has matured significantly in recent years.
Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli played innings of the highest quality, adding a record 162-run partnership for the third wicket. Zadran’s 87 off 56 balls combined placement with power, while Rasooli’s 84 ensured momentum never dipped. This partnership not only rescued Afghanistan but also set the tone for the series.
The middle and lower order, featuring Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Gulbadin Naib, adds valuable depth. Although they were not fully tested in the first game, their all-round abilities provide flexibility in team combinations.
Afghanistan’s bowling remains their biggest weapon. Rashid Khan continues to lead from the front with his control and wicket-taking ability. Noor Ahmad complements him perfectly with left-arm spin, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman is highly effective in the powerplay. Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi adds another dimension with his variations.
At Dubai, Afghanistan’s spinners thrive on slow surfaces, choking opposition run flow and forcing mistakes. If they repeat their disciplined bowling and top-order resilience, Afghanistan will be well placed to secure another convincing win.
West Indies Preview
West Indies cricket team entered the series with a relatively inexperienced squad, and that lack of cohesion showed in the opening match. While they managed a few early breakthroughs with the ball, they failed to maintain pressure during the middle overs, allowing Afghanistan to post a challenging total.
Gudakesh Motie was impressive with the ball, conceding just 18 runs in his four overs. Jayden Seales also provided some early spark. However, the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain Afghanistan’s batters, particularly against spin-friendly conditions.
Batting has been West Indies’ major concern. Johnson Charles top-scored with 27, while Quentin Sampson, Matthew Forde, and Motie chipped in with small contributions. Despite these efforts, the chase never truly gained momentum, largely due to Afghanistan’s relentless spin attack.
Key batters like Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, and Evin Lewis need to shoulder more responsibility in this game. The middle order must rotate strike better against spin rather than relying solely on big hits.
West Indies have historically been a powerful T20 side, but adapting to conditions like Dubai remains a challenge. To level the series, they need a more calculated batting approach and sharper execution with the ball, especially in the middle overs.
Team Squads
Afghanistan Squad: Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi, Sediqullah Atal
West Indies Squad: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, Quentin Sampson, Amir Jangoo, Khary Pierre
Probable Playing XI
Afghanistan:
Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Darwish Rasooli, Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rahman Sharifi
West Indies:
Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles (wk), Quentin Sampson, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Khary Pierre, Amir Jangoo
Afghanistan vs West Indies Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| BAT | Ibrahim Zadran, Darwish Rasooli, Brandon King |
| AR | Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gudakesh Motie |
| BOWL | Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jayden Seales |
This fantasy combination focuses on players most involved in key phases of the match. Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli are automatic picks after their match-winning partnership. Gurbaz, despite recent form concerns, remains a high-upside wicketkeeper option.
All-rounders are crucial in Dubai. Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai provide balance through both batting and bowling, while Gudakesh Motie is West Indies’ most reliable spinner.
The bowling unit is built around Afghanistan’s spin trio—Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman—who are expected to dominate again on a slow surface. Jayden Seales adds a pace option capable of early wickets.
Captain Options: Rashid Khan, Ibrahim Zadran
Vice-Captain Options: Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli
Players to Avoid: Quentin Sampson, Amir Jangoo
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today – Afghanistan (Why)
Afghanistan are favourites due to their superior understanding of Dubai conditions and a world-class spin attack perfectly suited to slow surfaces. Their batting showed resilience and depth in the first T20I, while their bowlers dismantled West Indies with control and variation. The combination of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman gives Afghanistan a decisive edge. Additionally, their strong record at Dubai International Stadium further boosts confidence. Unless West Indies produce a dramatic turnaround, Afghanistan remain the safer pick to win this match.
Afghanistan T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 157 | 95 | 61 | 1 | 0 |
Afghanistan have emerged as a strong T20 nation, especially in spin-friendly conditions, consistently defeating higher-ranked teams.
West Indies T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240 | 102 | 126 | 12 | 0 |
West Indies remain two-time T20 World Cup champions but have struggled for consistency in recent years.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | Afghanistan Won | West Indies Won |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 4 | 5 |
West Indies hold a narrow historical edge, but Afghanistan won the only T20I played between the sides in Dubai.
Pitch Report
Dubai International Cricket Stadium generally offers a slow surface that assists spinners as the match progresses. Batters who take time to settle can score runs, but stroke-making becomes difficult later. Seamers get limited help, making variations crucial. A score around 155–165 is competitive.
Weather Report
Clear skies are expected in Dubai with temperatures around 22–25°C. No rain interruptions are forecast, ensuring a full match.
Broadcast Details
The match will be broadcast live on FanCode, with digital streaming available for viewers in India and select regions.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to bat first to avoid chasing against spin under lights. Afghanistan are favourites to win the toss.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran remains the most probable top scorer. His calm temperament and ability to build innings on slow Dubai surfaces make him a reliable batting option once again. Darwish Rasooli is another batter to watch, as his stroke selection against spin has been excellent and he can anchor the middle overs effectively.
From the West Indies, Brandon King stands out as the key batter. If he negotiates the Afghan spinners early, he has the range to score freely and set up a competitive total. Shimron Hetmyer could also be dangerous if he finds rhythm in the middle overs.
On the bowling front, Rashid Khan is expected to be the leading wicket-taker, using his variations to control the middle overs. For West Indies, Gudakesh Motie is the most likely bowler to make an impact, especially on a surface offering turn.
Match Prediction
Based on current form, conditions, and squad balance, Afghanistan enter this contest as clear favourites. Their dominance at Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the strength of their spin attack give them a decisive edge over West Indies. Unless the Caribbean side adapts quickly and counters spin effectively, Afghanistan should remain in control. Final Prediction: Afghanistan are expected to win the 2nd T20I and seal the series.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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