The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up matches are heating up, with Match 8 featuring an intriguing battle between Afghanistan and West Indies. Both teams are utilizing these preparatory games to finalize their lineups ahead of the main tournament.
Afghanistan has made an impressive start to their warm-up campaign, having comfortably defeated Scotland in their opening match. Their batters showcased confidence and skill, while the bowlers executed their strategies effectively. Over the past few years, Afghanistan has demonstrated remarkable consistency in T20 cricket, making them a formidable opponent.
One of Afghanistan’s key strengths lies in their strong spin bowling attack, complemented by an in-form middle order and positive recent T20 momentum. However, concerns remain over their over-reliance on spin, especially as they face hard-hitting teams.
On the other hand, West Indies are looking to make a significant start in their first warm-up match after a disappointing series defeat in South Africa. They will be eager to adapt quickly to the Indian conditions, bolstered by the return of several experienced players which adds both experience and balance to the squad.
West Indies bring their explosive batting lineup and seasoned all-rounders to the field, posing a potential challenge for Afghanistan if they can adjust to the spin-friendly pitches. Despite their strengths, there are concerns about their recent inconsistency in performance.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM IST at BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru. The weather is expected to be favorable, with temperatures between 25–27°C and no rain projected. Historically, the pitch has been noted for facilitating strong batting early on, with spin likely becoming crucial as the game progresses.
In terms of head-to-head records, Afghanistan has triumphed in 5 out of their last encounters, while West Indies has won 6. Both teams aim to build momentum, with Afghanistan holding the edge based on their recent form, including a recent victory over West Indies in a T20I series in the UAE.
Afghanistan’s team is anticipated to comprise players such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Gulbadin Naib, while West Indies will look to Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, and Romario Shepherd to make an impact.
Fantasy cricket enthusiasts may look toward players like Shai Hope and Darwish Rasooli as safer choices, while the likes of Azmatullah Omarzai and Sherfane Rutherford might serve as high-risk, high-reward selections.
Based on current form and consistency, Afghanistan appears to be slightly favored to win this warm-up match, setting an exciting tone as both teams gear up for the tournament ahead.