Will West Indies and Afghanistan Clash in a Thrilling T20I Series in the UAE?
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Synopsis
Anticipation builds as Cricket West Indies and Afghanistan get ready for a thrilling three-match T20I series in January 2026. Scheduled in the UAE, this contest promises to enhance both teams' preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Will they rise to the occasion?
Key Takeaways
- The T20I series is set for January 2026 in the UAE.
- The series comprises three matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
- Both teams aim to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
- West Indies currently lead the T20I head-to-head record against Afghanistan.
- This series provides essential match practice for both squads.
St. John's (Antigua), Nov 11 (NationPress) Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced their engagement in a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan scheduled for January 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.
The series kicks off on January 19 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with the subsequent matches taking place on January 21 and January 22 at the same venue.
This series is anticipated to offer both teams invaluable match experience, significantly aiding their preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which starts in February.
CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, remarked, “This series is an optimal groundwork for our preparations. Competing against formidable opponents in subcontinental conditions will enhance our strategies and give our players a chance to gain confidence on pitches akin to those we’ll face in India and Sri Lanka.”
Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, stated, "Facing off against the West Indies right before a global event is a great opportunity for our team to finalize their squad and intensify their preparations for the forthcoming major event in India and Sri Lanka. We have been diligently observing the team’s preparation process, and competing against a quality West Indies side presents an ideal scenario for their buildup."
The West Indies co-hosted the most recent T20 World Cup, advancing to the Super Eight stage but missing out on a semifinal spot. In contrast, Afghanistan made history by reaching the semifinals for the first time in that tournament.
In their previous encounters, the two teams have clashed in eight T20 internationals, with the West Indies having the edge with a 5-3 lead in their head-to-head record.
Match Schedule:
1st T20I: January 19
2nd T20I: January 21
3rd T20I: January 22
Point of View
The upcoming T20I series between West Indies and Afghanistan presents an excellent opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies before the T20 World Cup. The matches will not only aid in strengthening team combinations but also serve as a platform to build confidence in their players, which is crucial in the competitive landscape of international cricket.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the T20I series between West Indies and Afghanistan take place?
The T20I series is scheduled to take place from January 19 to January 22, 2026.
Where will the matches be held?
All matches will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
Why is this series important for both teams?
This series offers vital match practice for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
How have both teams performed in past T20 encounters?
Historically, the West Indies lead the head-to-head record against Afghanistan with 5 wins out of 8 encounters.
What are the match dates for the T20I series?
The match dates are January 19 for the 1st T20I, January 21 for the 2nd T20I, and January 22 for the 3rd T20I.
