The second T20I of the ongoing three-match series between Afghanistan (AFG) and the West Indies (WI) will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, January 21. The Rashid Khan-led side emerged victorious by 38 runs in the series opener that was played at the same venue on Monday.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistanposted 181/3 in their quota of 20 overs. Half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran (87* off 56) and Darwish Rasooli (84 off 59) ensured the bulk of the scoring. The two batted together from the third ball of the third over of the innings right till the end of the innings. Gudakesh Motie shone with a frugal spell where he conceded only 18 runs.

In reply, the West Indies were reeling after having lost half their side by the halfway stage. Debutant Quentin Sampson top-scored with 30 off 24 in an inning in which three other batters got starts but could not convert them. Rashid and Mujeeb Ur Rahman were the pick of the bowlers, taking a couple of wickets each.

Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Pitch Report

The pitch used in the first T20I was for the most part a flat deck. Spinners did get a touch of help with the old ball. However, batters who got their eye in were able to strike some lusty blows through the line. Batters will aim at capitalising during the powerplay and making the most out of the hard new ball.

AFG vs WI: Head-to-Head Record T20I Record

AFG vs WI: Predicted Playing XIs Afghanistan (AFG):

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi

Brandon King (c), Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles (wk), Amir Jangoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales

Ibrahim Zadran registered his highest T20I score in the previous match. The innings was characterised with smart rotation of strike combined with a masterful display of power-hitting. The top-order batter can be expected to ride the wave of confidence and play another significant knock, as the Afghans look to take an unassailable lead in the series.

Probable Best Bowler: Rashid Khan Rashid Khan (Source: Fancode)

Star spin bowler Rashid Khan entered the first T20I of the series on the back of a mixed SA20 in which things did not go his way for the majority of the matches. However, he was right on the money on January 19. Rashid bowled a total of 15 dot deliveries during his spell in the series opener, and will be hoping for a similar outing in the second match as well, which could help his side seal the series.

Today's Match Prediction: Afghanistan to win the match