Afghanistan will face the West Indies in a T20 World Cup warm-up match on February 4, 2026, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru. Both teams are fine-tuning their preparations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which starts on February 7. Afghanistan comes into this match with strong momentum after a 61-run victory over Scotland in their first warm-up game. They also won a recent three-match T20I series against West Indies 2-1 in Dubai. West Indies, on the other hand, are looking to find their rhythm after a challenging series against Afghanistan. This warm-up clash gives both teams a final chance to test their combinations before the mega event begins.
Afghanistan vs West Indies Match Preview
The warm-up match will take place at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, the same venue that hosted Afghanistan’s impressive win over Scotland on February 2.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Afghanistan vs West Indies, T20 World Cup Warm-up |
| Date | 04 February 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM IST / 9:30 AM GMT / 3:00 PM Local |
| Venue | BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru |
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-up Matches |
| Context | Final warm-up for both teams before the T20 World Cup |
Pitch Report
The BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 pitch in Bengaluru offers a balanced surface that suits both batters and bowlers. The track provides good bounce and pace early on, which helps fast bowlers with the new ball. As the innings progress, the surface tends to slow, making it easier for batters to settle in. Spinners become effective in the middle overs due to the turn and grip available.
In the Afghanistan vs Scotland warm-up match at this venue, Afghanistan posted 184/6 before bowling Scotland out for 123. This suggests that totals around 165-180 should be competitive on this surface. The pitch offers assistance to seamers upfront but rewards batters who can build partnerships through the middle overs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Balanced, favors batters slightly |
| Average 1st Innings Score | Around 165-175 in T20s |
| Pace vs Spin | Pacers get bounce early, spinners are effective in the middle overs |
| Toss Factor | Batting first may be preferred in warm-up conditions |
Weather Report
Bengaluru in early February experiences pleasant weather conditions ideal for cricket. The temperature during the afternoon match will hover around 29-30°C. February is one of the driest months in Bengaluru, so rain is unlikely to affect the game. Humidity remains moderate at 35-40%, keeping conditions comfortable for players.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 28-30°C during afternoon hours |
| Sky | Clear to partly cloudy |
| Rain Chance | Very low (less than 5%) |
| Humidity | Moderate (35-40%) |
| Overall | Ideal cricket weather with no interruptions expected |
Toss Prediction
Given the nature of the pitch at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, the captain winning the toss is likely to choose to bat first. The surface plays well in the first innings, and teams can set a competitive total by utilizing the good bounce early. As seen in the Afghanistan vs Scotland match, defending a total on this pitch is achievable with quality spin bowling. Expect the toss winner to bat first and set a target.
Injury Updates
Afghanistan: The team has no major injury concerns heading into this warm-up match. They fielded a strong squad against Scotland and are expected to field a similar lineup. Naveen-ul-Haq, who returned from a shoulder injury for the West Indies T20I series, is fit and available. The team may rotate a few players to give everyone match practice before the World Cup. Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, who performed well against Scotland, could feature again.
West Indies: Shai Hope returns to captain the squad after missing the T20I series against Afghanistan due to SA20 commitments. Several key players, including Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford, also rejoined the squad. Evin Lewis, who missed the third T20I against Afghanistan with a neck injury, could feature in the playing XI. West Indies will use this match to integrate their returning players into the team setup.
Dream11 Team For Afghanistan vs West Indies
Afghanistan vs West Indies Head-to-Head Records in T20Is
The West Indies hold the upper hand in this rivalry, having won 5 of 8 T20I matches against Afghanistan. However, the recent form favors Afghanistan, which won the T20I series 2-1 in Dubai in January 2026. Afghanistan’s spin attack has troubled the West Indies batters, while the West Indies have shown excellent form in recent outings.
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 8 |
| West Indies Wins | 5 |
| Afghanistan Wins | 3 |
| Recent Series (Jan 2026) | Afghanistan won 2-1 |
| Last 5 T20I Results | Afghanistan won 3, West Indies won 2 |
| First T20I Meeting | 2019 – West Indies won by 104 runs |
Last Five Matches
- Afghanistan won by 39 runs – 21 Jan 2026 (Dubai)
- West Indies won by 15 runs – 22 Jan 2026 (Dubai)
- Afghanistan won by 38 runs – 19 Jan 2026 (Dubai)
- West Indies won by 104 runs – 18 Jun 2024 (T20 World Cup)
- Afghanistan won by 29 runs – 27 Nov 2019 (Lucknow)
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Top Picks For The Match
| Player | Team | Role | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darwish Rasooli | AFG | Batter | In red-hot form with 84 vs Scotland and consecutive fifties vs West Indies in the T20I series |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | AFG | WK/Batter | Explosive opener, scored 71 in 3rd T20I vs West Indies, highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Rashid Khan | AFG | All-rounder/Captain | World-class leg-spinner, 2-13 in 3rd T20I vs West Indies, key wicket-taker |
| Brandon King | WI | Batter | Consistent performer, scored 50 in the 2nd T20I vs Afghanistan |
| Shai Hope | WI | WK/Batter/Captain | Returns to lead the squad, an experienced campaigner in subcontinent conditions |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman | AFG | Bowler | Hat-trick hero in 2nd T20I vs West Indies, excellent against right-handers |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | AFG | All-rounder | Picked 3-14 vs Scotland, effective death bowler with batting ability |
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