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Key Takeaways

1🏏 West Indies trail 0-1 and must win the 2nd T20I to keep the series alive
2🔄 Ramon Simmonds and Alick Athanaze replace Jayden Seales and Amir Jangoo for West Indies
3🎯 Brandon King won the toss and elected to bowl first in Dubai
4⭐ Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran (87*) and Darwish Rasooli (84) dominated the first T20I
5🌍 Both teams are using this series as preparation for the T20 World Cup starting February 7

"Afghanistan also made a change to the team that won the first T20I in Dubai"

West Indies vs Afghanistan 2nd T20I: Brandon King's Windies Make Bold Changes as Series Decider Looms

The stakes couldn't be higher as West Indies take on Afghanistan in the crucial second T20I of their three-match series in Dubai. Trailing 0-1 after a comprehensive 38-run defeat in the opener, Brandon King's men face a do-or-die situation with the series on the line.

Toss and Team Changes: West Indies Opt to Chase

Winning the toss, West Indies captain Brandon King made the tactical decision to field first, backing his bowlers to restrict Afghanistan before a chase under lights. The decision signals intent from a team desperate to level the series.

West Indies made two significant changes to their lineup:

In: Ramon Simmonds (left-arm seamer) and Alick Athanaze (top-order batter)
Out: Jayden Seales and Amir Jangoo

The inclusion of Athanaze adds depth to the batting order, while Simmonds provides a left-arm seam option that could prove crucial against Afghanistan's right-hand-heavy top order.

Afghanistan's Tactical Tweak

Afghanistan, fresh off their commanding victory, made just one change to their winning combination. Fazalhaq Farooqi, the experienced left-arm seamer, replaced Ziaur Rahman—a bold call considering Ziaur claimed a three-wicket haul in the first T20I.

The decision to bring in Farooqi suggests Afghanistan are looking at the bigger picture with the T20 World Cup starting on February 7.

First T20I Recap: Afghanistan's Dominant Display

The first T20I showcased Afghanistan's batting depth and bowling prowess:

Batting Highlights

Ibrahim Zadran: 87* (anchored the innings brilliantly)
Darwish Rasooli: 84 (explosive partnership with Zadran)
Team Total: 181 (setting a challenging target)

Bowling Performance

Ziaur Rahman: 3 wickets (new-ball impact)
Rashid Khan: 2 wickets
Mujeeb Ur Rahman: 2 wickets
Noor Ahmad: 2 wickets

West Indies managed only 143 in response, falling well short of the 182-run target.

Playing XIs for the 2nd T20I

West Indies

Brandon King (c)
Alick Athanaze
Evin Lewis
Johnson Charles (wk)
Shimron Hetmyer
Quentin Sampson
Matthew Forde
Gudakesh Motie
Khary Pierre
Shamar Joseph
Ramon Simmonds

Afghanistan

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

T20 World Cup Implications

Both teams are treating this series as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup, which kicks off on February 7. The results and individual performances here could shape final squad selections and playing combinations for the global showpiece.

For West Indies, finding the right balance between experience and fresh talent remains the priority. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will look to carry their confidence into the World Cup, with Rashid Khan's spin arsenal complemented by quality pace options.

What to Watch For

Ibrahim Zadran's form: Can West Indies contain the in-form opener?
Brandon King's captaincy: Will his decision to bowl first pay dividends?
Spin battle: Motie and Pierre vs Rashid, Mujeeb, and Noor
Shimron Hetmyer's response: The big-hitter needs to fire for West Indies to level the series