AFG vs WI Match Prediction Today- Who Will Win 1st T20I? Afghanistan vs West Indies in UAE 2026

AFG vs WI 1st T20I match [Source: mufaddal_vohra/X]

Afghanistan will be locking horns with West Indies on January 19 for the first T20I of the AFG vs WI 2026 series. The two sides will meet at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, with the clash scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM IST.

This will be the opening game of the three-match T20I series for both teams, and both Afghanistan and West Indies will be eager to start the tour on a winning note. 

In terms of recent head-to-head record, the contest has been closely fought, with Afghanistan holding a narrow edge over West Indies in T20Is in the last five matches, setting the stage for an exciting encounter in Dubai.

Afghanistan vs West Indies current form (last 5 matches)

AFG vs WI: Key player battles

Rashid Khan vs Shimron Hetmyer

The world’s premier leg-spinner and Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan against one of the cleanest hitters of spin in T20 cricket Shimron Hetmyer. Rashid’s googly, pace variation, and relentless accuracy will test Hetmyer’s ability to dominate in the middle overs. 

Rashid Khan vs Shimron Hetmyer in T20Is: 13 runs, 10 balls; 2 dismissals

Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Shamar Joseph

Afghanistan’s explosive wicket-keeper opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz faces Shamar Joseph, who brings raw speed, bounce, and aggression. Gurbaz thrives on driving and pulling fast bowling, and the battle will be an interesting one on a fast-paced Dubai wicket.

Evin Lewis vs Fazalhaq Farooqi

One of the most destructive powerplay batters in world cricket, Evin Lewis against Afghanistan’s swing-bowling specialist Fazalhaq Farooqi. Lewis can clear the ropes at will with the new ball, but Farooqi’s ability to move it both ways under lights makes him a genuine threat to left-handers.

Afghanistan vs West Indies top performers

Most runs for AFG vs WI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (94), Mohammad Nabi (83)

Most wickets for AFG vs WI

Gulbadin Naib (8), Rashid Khan (7)

Most runs for WI vs AFG

Evin Lewis (176), Johnson Charles (65)

Most wickets for WI vs AFG

Gudakesh Motie (2)

Afghanistan vs West Indies toss prediction

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium generally offers a balanced surface that provides an even contest between bat and ball in T20I matches. The pitch tends to assist fast bowlers early on with some seam movement and bounce, while spinners come into play as the surface slows down during the middle overs.

At the evening, dew becomes a major factor, making the ball skid onto the bat and reducing assistance for spinners. This often gives a clear advantage to teams chasing, which is why captains winning the toss at this venue usually prefer to bowl first. Once batters get set the total scores in the range of 170–180 are commonly seen at the pitch.

Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st innings score prediction

Powerplay: 50/1

Final score: 180

Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd innings score prediction

Powerplay: 55/1

Final score: 190

Afghanistan vs West Indies top players prediction

AFG's top players

Probable best batters

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran

Probable best bowlers

Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib

WI’s top players

Probable best batters

Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer

Probable best bowlers

Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

Who will hit the most sixes in the AFG vs WI match?

Mohammad Nabi

Who will hit the most fours in the AFG vs WI match?

Shimron Hetmyer

Afghanistan vs West Indies Match Winner Prediction: Who Will Win The 1st T20I?

With both Afghanistan and West Indies searching for consistency, neither team enters the first T20I as a clear favourite. The recent head-to-head record suggests a tightly contested battle, with Afghanistan holding a slight edge. In overall comparison, though, West Indies leads with 5 wins from 8 encounters.

Afghanistan look well-balanced with match-winners such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top and Rashid Khan leading the bowling attack, while West Indies rely heavily on the firepower of Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer.

Given Afghanistan’s familiarity with UAE conditions and their stronger recent record in this matchup, they appear marginally better placed to edge out West Indies in the opening game.