T20 World Cup: West Indies slump to 23-run loss against Afghanistan in warm-up

In a clinical display of power at the top and squeeze in the middle, Afghanistan handed West Indies a 23-run defeat in their final official warm-up match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, leaving the Caribbean side potentially with more questions than answers ahead of their tournament opener on February 7.

Choosing to field first at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the West Indies ran into a whirlwind as Ibrahim Zadran (51) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (43) looked in sublime touch, dismantling the new ball to rack up 90 runs in just 8.5 overs.

While the pace battery struggled for rhythm, the spinners offered the only respite as Roston Chase (1 for 18) and Gudakesh Motie (1 for 29) managed to pull the strings back, preventing a total that threatened to cross the 200-mark.

A late cameo from Azmatullah Omarzai (35) ensured Afghanistan posted a formidable 182.

The West Indies chase never truly found its fifth gear as spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi exploited a surface that offered grip, reducing the former champions to a dismal 82 for 7 by the 14th over.

The only real spark for West Indies came from an unlikely source at No. 8. Matthew Forde played a blinder, smashing an unbeaten 52 off just 26 balls, decorated with four boundaries and four towering sixes.

Alongside the veteran Jason Holder (25*), Forde added respectability to the scorecard with an unbroken 77-run stand.

For the West Indies, the form book is starting to look a bit grim, with only two wins from seven matches in 2026 and recent series losses to Afghanistan and South Africa.

They travel to Kolkata next, where Scotland awaits in their Group C opener.

West Indies squad: Shai Hope (captain), Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde, Quentin Sampson and Johnson Charles.

West Indies Group C schedule:

• Saturday, February 7: West Indies vs Scotland at Eden Gardens – 05:30h
• Wednesday, February 11: West Indies v England at Wankhede – 09:30h
• Sunday, February 15: West Indies v Nepal at Wankhede – 01:30h
• Thursday, February 19: West Indies v Italy at Eden Gardens – 01:30h