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Afghanistan vs West Indies: T20I Showdown Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Afghanistan will host West Indies for a three-match T20I series in the UAE next January. This series serves as vital preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. All matches will be played at neutral venues in the UAE between January 19-22, 2026. Both cricket boards emphasize the importance of this series for finalizing team combinations before the global tournament.

Key Points: Afghanistan Hosts West Indies in T20I Series Before World Cup

  • Three-match T20I series scheduled in UAE from January 19-22, 2026
  • Both teams using series as final preparation before T20 World Cup
  • West Indies hold 5-3 advantage in previous T20I encounters
  • Full-strength squads expected for crucial match practice
2 min read

Afghanistan to host West Indies for a three-match T20I series in January 2026

Afghanistan Cricket Board confirms three T20I matches against West Indies in UAE from January 19-22, 2026, serving as crucial preparation for ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

"Competing against the West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalize their lineup - ACB Statement"

New Delhi, Nov 7

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said on Friday that it will host the West Indies for a three-match T20I series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 19 to 22 in 2026. The series will be a part of both teams’ final preparations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka approximately one month after the series ends.

The opening match will be played on January 19, followed by the second and third T20Is on January 21 and 22, respectively. All fixtures will be held in the UAE, which has served as a neutral venue for Afghanistan’s several international series in recent years – though a particular venue hasn’t been specified in the series schedule.

The ACB stated that the series will offer both Afghanistan and West Indies invaluable match practice and a chance to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the global tournament. West Indies have a 5-3 edge over Afghanistan in their T20I meetings so far.

"Competing against the West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalize their lineup and enhance their preparations for the upcoming mega event in India and Sri Lanka.”

“We have been closely monitoring the team's preparation process, and facing a quality West Indies side offers an ideal platform for their buildup," said ACB CEO Naseeb Khan in a statement.

Both sides are expected to field full-strength squads as they look to build their preparation for the tenth edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup. “This series provides an ideal platform for our preparation.”

“Facing strong opposition in subcontinental conditions will help us sharpen our combinations and approach, and it also gives our players a chance to build confidence on surfaces similar to those we’ll encounter in India and Sri Lanka,” said Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Smart move to play in UAE conditions which are similar to India. Both teams will get perfect preparation for the World Cup. Looking forward to some explosive T20 cricket! 🔥
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Sarah B
While it's good for preparation, I wish Afghanistan could host matches in their own country someday. The security situation has been improving, and home support makes such a difference for players.
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Arjun K
West Indies 5-3 in head to head? Afghanistan has improved so much recently, I think they might level the score this time. Rashid Khan vs Andre Russell will be epic! 💥
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Michael C
Perfect timing before the World Cup in India. Both teams play exciting brand of cricket. Hope Star Sports or Disney+ Hotstar picks up the broadcasting rights for Indian viewers.
K
Kavya N
Afghanistan's rise in cricket is truly inspiring. From war-torn nation to competing with established teams like West Indies. This is what sports can achieve! 🙏

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