West Indies win third T20I as Afghanistan clinch series 2–1

Afghanistan’s national cricket team suffered a narrow 15-run defeat in the third and final T20 International, but victories in the opening two matches ensured a 2–1 series win over West Indies in the e& Cup T20I series.

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bowl in the series decider, using the match to assess their chasing capabilities ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which begins early next month.

West Indies posted 151 for seven in their 20 overs, with Afghanistan’s bowlers delivering a disciplined performance. Rashid Khan led the attack with figures of 2 for 13, while Abdullah Ahmadzai (2/30) and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi (2/43) also claimed two wickets each.

Chasing a target of 152, Afghanistan were anchored by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who struck a fluent 70 runs, but the hosts were unable to maintain momentum and finished 15 runs short, handing West Indies their first victory of the series — and their first-ever T20I win in Dubai.

West Indies fast bowler Shamar Springer was named Player of the Match after claiming a decisive hat-trick that turned the contest in his team’s favour.

Afghanistan’s Darwish Rasooli was awarded Player of the Series for an outstanding batting display, amassing 156 runs, including two half-centuries across the three matches.

Despite the final-match setback, the series concluded in Afghanistan’s favour, marking a successful campaign as the team now turns its focus to preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.