Even before the formal start of the T20 World Cup 2026, a major upset has been witnessed on the cricket field, drawing lines of worry on the foreheads of big teams. In a warm-up match played at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, Afghanistan has proved its mettle by badly defeating two-time World Champions West Indies. The Afghan team, which made headlines with its performance in the last World Cup, maintained dominance in every department of the game in this match and defeated the Caribbean team one-sidedly. The stormy innings of the batsmen and the precise aim of the bowlers have made it clear that this army of Rashid Khan has the power to defeat any veteran in the upcoming mega event. While this defeat has exposed the weaknesses of West Indies, Afghanistan has rung the warning bell for the entire tournament with this spectacular victory.
On the grounds of Bengaluru, the fighters of Afghanistan have once again proved that they are no longer ‘underdogs’, but have become ‘giant killers’. In the warm-up match played against West Indies, Afghanistan not only registered a win by 23 runs but also beat the Caribbean players on every front of the game.
Match Highlights:
Afghan Batting Storm: Winning the toss and batting first, Afghanistan put up a strong score of 182 runs. Ibrahim Zadran (51) laid the foundation by playing a half-century inning, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz (43) disrupted the line and length of the Windies bowlers with his aggressive batting. From West Indies’ side, Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase could achieve only nominal success.
Windies Top Order Collapsed Like a House of Cards: Chasing the target of 183 runs, West Indies had a very poor start. In front of the sharp bowling of Afghan bowlers, four batsmen of the upper order returned to the pavilion for just 38 runs.
Forde’s Effort Remained Incomplete: In the middle order, Matthew Forde took charge and reduced the margin of defeat by playing an unbeaten stormy inning of 52 runs in 26 balls, but he could not get the team the victory. The entire team could score only 159 runs losing 7 wickets in the stipulated overs.
Bowling Heroes: From Afghanistan’s side, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman trapped the Windies batsmen in their web of spin and speed, taking 2 wickets each.
Worrying news has started coming for the Pakistan team even before the start of the T20 World Cup 2026. Babar Azam’s army, which reached Colombo with the intention of strengthening its preparations, received a big blow when their first warm-up match against Ireland was washed out due to rain.
Match and Weather Report:
Rain Played Villain: The mood of nature deteriorated so much in this match to be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo that even the toss could not take place. Due to continuous rain, the umpires had to take the difficult decision to cancel the match.
Water Poured on Preparations: This match against a team like Ireland was a golden opportunity for Pakistan to test their playing XI, which has now slipped out of hand.
Colombo’s Weather and Pakistan’s Tension: The biggest trouble for Pakistan is that all their group stage matches during the mega event are to be played in Colombo itself. In such a situation, the bad weather there can spoil Pakistan’s equations in the tournament.
