Published on: Jan 19, 2026 11:57 am IST | Updated on: Jan 20, 2026 12:04 pm IST
West Indies and Afghanistan are all set to lock horns in a 3-match T20I series in the UAE. All three games will be played at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, and both teams will be eager to make a strong start in this series as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st T20I Match, AFG vs WI at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
Despite missing some key players, the West Indies look quite a formidable unit against Afghanistan. For Afghanistan, the slow nature of wickets in Dubai will be an added advantage, as their spinners will relish the opportunity to bowl here. It should be quite an evenly matched series with both teams willing to get the better of each other. It’s tough to choose a favorite with no home advantage at all, but the slow nature of the wicket here should go in favor of the Afghans. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to favor Afghanistan. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st T20I Match, AFG vs WI at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
AFG: 56% win chance WI: 44% win chance
The Afghan opener will be a key wicket at the top. In his last 9 T20Is, Gurbaz has amassed 286 runs at a strike-rate of 149.73.
Ibrahim Zadran has been one of the most consistent performers for Afghanistan in the recent past. The right-hander has amassed 259 runs from his last 9 games at an average of 32.38.
The newly appointed WI skipper for this series will be at the forefront. King will be opening the innings and will be a key bet at the top.
With regular skipper Shai Hope playing in the SA20, Evin Lewis gets another crack at the opening slot. He will be keen to prove a point and audition for a spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
Check out our prediction for the AFG vs WI 1st T20I match at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai.
Afghanistan will be eyeing a strong start when they take on the West Indies in the upcoming three-match T20I series at the Dubai International Stadium. With the T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks away, both sides will be keen to fine-tune their preparations, but the conditions in Dubai could tilt the balance in Afghanistan’s favor.
The slow and dry nature of the wickets here is tailor-made for Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack. Bowlers like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad thrive on surfaces that grip and turn, and Dubai offers exactly that. Their variations and accuracy can stifle the West Indies’ power-hitters, forcing them into mistakes and restricting their natural flair.
Afghanistan’s batting unit will also need to complement the spinners by putting up competitive totals, but their biggest weapon remains their ability to choke opposition lineups with relentless spin. If deployed smartly, their spinners could dictate terms and give Afghanistan the upper hand in this series. For the men in blue, unleashing their spin arsenal on Dubai’s surface might just be the perfect recipe to build momentum ahead of the World Cup.
The West Indies will be eager to disrupt Afghanistan’s rhythm when the two sides meet in the upcoming three-match T20I series at the Dubai International Stadium. Despite missing key players such as Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, and skipper Shai Hope, the Caribbean outfit still boasts a formidable unit capable of challenging Afghanistan in these conditions.
Their batting lineup, filled with explosive hitters, has the ability to counter Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack by taking the aggressive route. Players like Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell will be crucial in setting the tone, while the all-rounders add depth and balance to the side. The West Indies’ pace attack, though not at full strength, can exploit any early movement under lights, making them a dangerous prospect.
Afghanistan may rely heavily on their spinners to dictate terms on Dubai’s slow surface, but the West Indies will look to break that stranglehold with fearless stroke play and calculated risks. A strong start in this series would not only boost their confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 but also prove that even without some regulars, they remain a team capable of upsetting the rhythm of any opponent. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 8 WI won: 5 AFG won: 3 No Result: 0 Tied: 1 RECENT form AFGHANISTAN: L W W W W RECENT form WEST INDIES: W L L NR L
Afghanistan and West Indies have locked horns only 8 times against one another. West Indies have won 5 games, whereas the remaining 3 matches have been won by Afghanistan.
How will the two teams, i.e., Afghanistan and West Indies, fare in the first T20I? Let’s take a look.
Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles (w), Brandon King (c), Alick Athanaze, Shimron Hetmyer, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st T20I between Afghanistan and West Indies at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai:
Afghanistan may opt to chase if they win the toss, banking on dew and their spin depth to control the middle overs. West Indies, with power hitters, could prefer batting first to set a daunting target. Expect the toss winner to lean towards chasing under Dubai’s evening conditions.
The online live streaming of the 1st T20I match of Afghanistan vs West Indies in the UAE will take place live on the Fancode app. The live TV coverage for this series won’t be available in India.
If we talk about the overall head-to-head record between the two sides, West Indies leads the way. Even in the past 5 meetings between these two sides, the West Indies has had the upper hand. However, several sportsbooks have touted Afghanistan as the favorites, maybe because they are a better side while competing in the UAE. The slowness of the wicket is well suited for Afghan’s spinners, and they should start as the favorites in this game. Therefore, as per our prediction, Afghanistan is expected to win the AFG vs WI 1st T20I match.
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