Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20 Match 2026 Prediction Based on Team Form

The Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd Twenty20 International (T20I) is scheduled for today, January 21, 2026, as both teams continue their three-match T20I series in the United Arab Emirates. After Afghanistan took an early lead in the series with a convincing win in the first T20I, the West Indies now face a critical match if they want to level the series and keep their preparation momentum ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

This article provides a comprehensive match prediction and analysis, including series context, team form, key players, venue conditions, tactical considerations, and our forecast for who might win today’s contest.

Match Details and Context

• Match: Afghanistan vs West Indies, 2nd T20I
• Date: January 21, 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM PST (14:30 GMT)
• Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium – Dubai, UAE

Both teams are using this series as key preparation before next month’s T20 World Cup, where conditions in India and Sri Lanka are expected to favour teams comfortable with spin and tactical bowling.

Afghanistan took an early series lead by winning the first T20I by a margin of 38 runs. That victory not only gave them momentum but also created a psychological edge heading into the second match.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

In their recent T20I history, Afghanistan and West Indies have had a competitive rivalry. While West Indies have a slightly better overall head-to-head record, Afghanistan have performed strongly in the UAE context and in recent bilateral contests.

According to statistical data:

• Afghanistan have won three of their last five T20Is against West Indies.
• Afghanistan have won three of their last five T20Is played in Dubai, showing comfort with conditions here.
• Rashid Khan and spinners average strong bowling figures in the UAE, particularly in Dubai.
• West Indies have won five of nine recorded T20Is against Afghanistan overall but struggled to fully convert chances in recent clashes.

This mix of historical balance and recent Afghan strengths makes today’s match compelling — West Indies will be eager to respond after their first loss.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for its balanced T20 surface, offering a fair contest between bat and ball. Early on, pacers can extract some bounce and carry, but as the innings progresses spinners tend to become more effective, especially if the pitch slows slightly under lights.

Historically, first-innings totals at Dubai have hovered around 170–180, meaning both teams will likely aim to post competitive scores if batting first.

There are no major weather interruptions expected, which should allow a full 20-over contest.

Team Analysis: Afghanistan

Afghanistan enter this match with confidence after their first-game victory. Their core strengths include:

• Spin bowling firepower: Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad make up a dangerous spin attack. They have often controlled middle overs and built pressure on batters.
• Top-order batting stability: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provide aggressive starts, capable of setting up big totals.
• All-round depth: Players like Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib add flexibility both with bat and ball.

Afghanistan’s bowling attack, particularly spin, will be key on this surface as the game progresses, and their confidence from the first win gives them a slight psychological uplift.

Team Analysis: West Indies

West Indies have names that pack power and experience, but they have had to adapt in unfamiliar conditions:

• Explosive batting talent: Players like Brandon King, Evin Lewis, and Shimron Hetmyer can change momentum quickly, especially in later overs.
• Pace bowling upside: With bowlers like Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, West Indies have options to challenge early.
• Adaptation challenge: The team has struggled to consistently counter quality spin and build partnerships across the innings.

West Indies will need to bounce back strong in both batting and spin planning today if they want to avoid falling 2–0 behind in the series.

Key Players to Watch

Afghanistan

• Rashid Khan: A world-class spin bowler whose variations could define the middle overs.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Explosive opener who can give Afghanistan a powerplay advantage.
• Ibrahim Zadran: Compact T20 batter with good strike rate potential.

West Indies

• Brandon King: Captain and main run-scorer expected to anchor the innings if batting first.
• Evin Lewis: Known for his aggressive hitting, particularly early in the innings.
• Gudakesh Motie: Spin bowling option who may be crucial in matching Afghanistan’s spin threat.

Tactical Considerations

Both teams need to balance aggression with control. If West Indies bat first, they might look to maximize powerplay overs and post a total above 170–180 runs. If Afghanistan win the toss and choose to bat, they will aim to build partnerships and accelerate through the middle and death overs.

Spin is likely to dominate the middle phases, so teams with disciplined rotation and dot-ball strategies will be favored.

Match Prediction

Considering current form, head-to-head trends, and conditions in Dubai, Afghanistan appear to hold the advantage going into the second T20I. Their spin attack and recent confidence from winning the first T20I give them a strong edge, although West Indies have the batting power to challenge if they play aggressively and smartly.

Prediction

• Afghanistan win probability: ~60%
• West Indies win probability: ~40%
  Prediction sources also highlight Afghanistan’s momentum and spin strength as key deciding factors.

However, cricket’s unpredictability means West Indies can still pull off a strong performance, especially if their top order scores quickly and their bowlers execute well in pressure overs.

Final Thoughts

The Afghanistan vs West Indies 2nd T20 Match today promises another exciting chapter in this short series. With Afghanistan seeking to clinch a series lead and West Indies fighting to stay alive, fans should expect strategic depth, spin dynamics, and impactful individual performances.

For live ball-by-ball updates and deeper statistical insights during the match, cricket lovers can follow detailed coverage on ESPNcricinfo, which offers real-time commentary and analytical tools.

Read Also: India vs New Zealand 1st T20 Match 2026 Prediction