Afghanistan Eye Historic 3-0 Series Sweep as Rashid Khan Wins Toss Against West Indies in Dubai

Afghanistan have won the toss and elected to bowl first in the third and final T20I against West Indies in Dubai, as Rashid Khan's side looks to complete a commanding 3-0 series whitewash. Having already clinched the series with victories in the first two matches, Afghanistan enter this contest with momentum firmly on their side.

Squad Changes Reflect Tactical Flexibility

Despite the series already being secured, Afghanistan have opted to ring in three changes to their playing XI. The notable exclusions include Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, and pace spearhead Fazalhaq Farooqi. In their place, allrounder Shahidullah Kamal, fast bowler Ziaur Rahman Sharfi, and medium-pacer Abdollah Ahmadzai have been given opportunities to stake their claims.

This rotation suggests Afghanistan's management is keen to test their squad depth ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, providing valuable match experience to players on the fringes of the first-choice XI.

West Indies Hand Debuts to Carty and Greaves

For the Caribbean side, this dead rubber presents a crucial audition opportunity. With West Indies yet to announce their squad for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, fringe batters Keacy Carty and Justin Greaves have been handed opportunities in place of Alick Athanaze and Evin Lewis.

T20I newcomer Quentin Sampson retains his place in the XI, while Shamar Springer comes in for Shamar Joseph on the bowling front. The spin department remains unchanged with left-arm spinners Gudakesh Motie and Khary Pierre shouldering the responsibility.

Playing XI Breakdown

West Indies

Brandon King leads the side, with Johnson Charles behind the stumps. The middle order features the experienced Shimron Hetmyer alongside the new faces in Carty and Greaves. Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, and Ramon Simmonds complete the lineup.

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran form a potent opening partnership, with Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli providing firepower in the middle overs. The evergreen Mohammad Nabi adds experience, while captain Rashid Khan marshals a spin attack that includes the wily Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Road to T20 World Cup 2026

This match carries significant importance for both teams as they fine-tune their preparations for the global showpiece event. For Afghanistan, this represents their final T20I assignment before the World Cup commences on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

West Indies, meanwhile, will travel to South Africa for a three-match T20I series before the tournament gets underway, giving them additional opportunities to finalize their squad composition and playing combinations.

What Lies Ahead

A 3-0 series victory would serve as a massive confidence booster for Afghanistan, demonstrating their growing prowess in the shortest format. For West Indies, the focus remains on identifying the right personnel for the World Cup challenge, with today's match offering one last look at their fringe players in competitive action.

The conditions in Dubai, with its true bounce and pace-friendly surfaces, should provide an excellent test for both sides as they gear up for the diverse conditions they will encounter at the T20 World Cup.