Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
Sampson backing bowlers/senior players to rebound, as Windies head into series-deciding battle today
2026 West Indies vs. Afghanistan T20I Series Match 2
By Clifton Ross
Kaieteur Sports – Afghanistan’s trouncing of the West Indies during the first match, has put the former two-time T20 World Cups champs in a must-win situation, as they venture into today’s second T201 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium; desperate for a win with their hopes of clinching the 3-match series already in limbo.
Quentin Sampson will be looking to continue his form with the bat.
The Caribbean side misfired in the opening game, suffering a 38-run loss at the hands of a rampant Afghan team, which outplayed the former World Champs in all departments; thus setting the stage for either an Afghan series win or a possible Windies come-back story.
With the exception of Guyanese left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who went wicket-less for 18 runs from his 4 overs, the four other bowlers used combined for a whopping 163 runs in total from their respective 4-over spells; which is a huge worry for the Windies heading into today’s match.
With no Akeal Hosein to open the bowling, West Indies should tinker with Motie as a new-ball operator alongside one of the pacers like Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph or Shamar Springer; all of whom will need to tighten up and find their lines/lengths against a dangerous batting unit.
Another area the Windies need to desperately tighten up on, is their fielding in the outfield/Deep, as 3 catches were put down in the space of 8 balls during the first game. Game 1 also exhibited difficulties in acclimatization, as the Afghans rightfully so, played like they were well at home; ticking all the boxes needed for their biggest T20 win yet, over the Caribbean side.
Compared to the Windies who struggled with conditions as they imploded with the bat, ball and in the field, the Afghans will head into today’s game with possibly the same game plan, which could be to rack up between 160-180 runs should they have the opportunity to bat first.
Rashid Khan and his men will be eyeing a possible series win as they head into today’s match.
Closing in on 700 T20 career wickets, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan (693 wickets) along with his pair of left-arm spin aces in Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad, accounted for 6 of the West Indies’ wickets and could likely play a similar role as they seek to wrap up the series today.
A few of the Windies’ front-line batsmen including skipper Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Amir Jangoo and Shimron Hetmyer all succumbed to spin. Top-scorers in the first match, with the exception of Guyanese debutant Quentin Sampson who led the team’s overall scoring with 30, were practically bowlers who can bat with Motie and pacer Matthew Forde; being the men to carry their team to respectable score in the last encounter.
Sampson, playing his first game batting at 6, showed a touch of aggression, maturity and awareness as he looks to build his international career one match at a time. With Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase and Hosein playing the SA20, a need for pinch-hitters is in demand with West Indies likely to take a more proactive approach with the bat against a star-studded Afghan attack.
Speaking after his first match with media at the venue, the Essequibian power-hitter said his first taste of international cricket was good but is keen on wrapping up the series on a high note with his teammates.
“It was a great experience, rubbing shoulders with a lot of senior players who you grew up watching playing cricket. It was a good feeling for me, just to be around them and learn new things from them.”
“I would say we need to be more patient and choose our balls wisely. Indeed they are bowling well but they also have a few bad balls you can capitalize on. Let’s take it as deep as possible, play your game, wait for the balls in your area and let’s see how far we can take it.”
Shimron Hetmyer could be the X-Factor the Windies need.
Speaking on making his debut, the Essequibian said he was lost for words. “I couldn’t believe it, while going out it was a strange feeling,” but added that he wanted to see his teammates, namely the bowlers; tighten up for today’s game. “I would like to see the team tighten up in the bowling, because as you’ve seen we have been going for runs in the back-end. The senior players have a lot of experience and they can go about their business.”
Meanwhile, Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran who cracked 87 not out, as he and Darwish Rasooli who scored 84, piled on 162 runs to help the team recover after the loss of the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz; will have added responsibility come today.
But with a line-up which features Zadran, Rasooli, Gurbaz, veteran Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzi and Gulbadin Naib all capable of huge scores, West Indies will need a lot from their seasoned core of T20 specialists.
Evin Lewis, Charles, Hetmyer and Jangoo will need to lay the foundation for the top order should they look to win this battle. Taking advantage of that fact that the best Afghan seamer, Ziaur Rahman bagged 3 wickets with the slower-bowlers doing the lion’s share of the damage; West Indies could look to target the spinners who have been the most lethal.
With all the chips riding on today’s second of three games in the series, tensions will be high in both camps; with the Caribbean boys being on high alert heading into this must-win encounter; as the pre-T20 World Cup preparations continue.
Game 2 bowls off from 10:30h.
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THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
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A well-prepared match result article that explains the scoreline nicely. The details make the result easy to understand.
https://fifamatch.com/