Afghanistan delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat West Indies by 39 runs in the Afg vs wi 2nd t20, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 International series played in Dubai. The match will be remembered as a landmark moment in Afghan cricket, with mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman claiming the first T20 International hat-trick of his career, a spell that completely turned the game in Afghanistan’s favour.
After posting an imposing total of 189 for 4 in their 20 overs, Afghanistan bowled West Indies out for 150 in 18.5 overs, extending their dominance after a 38-run win in the opening match. The third and final T20I of the series is scheduled to be played at the same venue in Dubai.
Match Summary: Afg vs wi 2nd t20
| Match | Afghanistan vs West Indies |
|---|---|
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Toss | West Indies won the toss, chose to bowl |
| Afghanistan Score | 189/4 (20 overs) |
| West Indies Score | 150 all out (18.5 overs) |
| Result | Afghanistan won by 39 runs |
| Series Status | Afghanistan lead 2-0 (won series) |
| Player of the Match | Mujeeb Ur Rahman |
Afghanistan Recover After Early Setback
Asked to bat first after West Indies won the toss, Afghanistan had a shaky start. Their top order struggled against disciplined bowling, and the score read 37 for 2 in just 4.5 overs, putting early pressure on the batting side.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically thanks to a superb partnership between Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli. The duo stitched together a crucial 115-run stand for the third wicket, stabilising the innings and setting a strong platform for a big total.
Key Afghanistan Batting Performances
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darwish Rasooli | 68 | 39 | 5 | 3 |
| Sediqullah Atal | 53 | 42 | 2 | 3 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai* | 26 | 13 | 1 | 2 |
Atal played a composed innings, rotating the strike well and punishing loose deliveries. Rasooli, on the other hand, was more aggressive, taking on the bowlers and keeping the scoring rate high through the middle overs.
In the final phase, all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai provided the perfect finishing touch. His unbeaten 26 off just 13 balls, including two towering sixes, pushed Afghanistan close to the 190-run mark.
For West Indies, Matthew Forde was the most economical bowler, returning figures of 2 for 25 in four overs, while Shamar Joseph and Raymon Reifer picked up one wicket each.
West Indies’ Chase Derailed by Early Collapse
Chasing a challenging target of 190, West Indies never truly found their rhythm. Afghanistan’s bowlers struck early, reducing the Caribbean side to 38 for 3 within the first eight overs, placing them firmly on the back foot.
The turning point came when Mujeeb Ur Rahman produced a magical spell of off-spin. He dismissed Evin Lewis and Johnson Charles on consecutive deliveries, instantly swinging momentum Afghanistan’s way.
A brief resistance followed as captain Brandon King and power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer attempted to revive the chase with a 68-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
West Indies Batting Highlights
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon King | 50 | 41 | – | – |
| Shimron Hetmyer | 46 | 17 | 1 | 6 |
Hetmyer played a breathtaking cameo, smashing six sixes in just 17 deliveries, briefly igniting hopes of an unlikely comeback. However, Afghanistan maintained composure, and the required run rate kept climbing.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman Creates History with Hat-Trick
The defining moment of the Afg vs wi 2nd t20 arrived when Mujeeb completed his historic hat-trick by dismissing Brandon King, his third wicket in three consecutive deliveries. With this achievement, Mujeeb became only the third Afghan bowler to take a hat-trick in T20 Internationals, following Rashid Khan and Karim Janat.
Afghanistan Bowling Figures (Top Performers)
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | – | – | 4 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | – | – | 2 |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | – | – | 2 |
Mujeeb’s four-wicket haul dismantled the middle order and ensured West Indies never recovered. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, underlining his growing reputation as one of the most dangerous spinners in world T20 cricket.
Also read: Bangladesh Cricket T20 World Cup 2026: ICC Issues Ultimatum Amid Participation Controversy
Series Secured, Confidence Soars for Afghanistan
With this 39-run victory, Afghanistan have secured the three-match series 2-0, showcasing their depth, discipline, and tactical maturity against a traditionally strong West Indies side. The combination of solid batting partnerships and incisive spin bowling proved too much for the visitors.
The third and final match of the series will be played later today in Dubai. While the series result is already decided, both teams will be keen to finish on a high note-Afghanistan aiming for a clean sweep, and West Indies seeking a consolation win to restore confidence.
The Afg vs wi 2nd t20 will be remembered not just for the result, but for Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s unforgettable hat-trick-a moment that further cements Afghanistan’s rising status in international T20 cricket.
