(Harare): Afghanistan edge past West Indies by seven-wicket win in the final of ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 competition in Zimbabwe, bringing to completion a comeback that must rank among the greatest in cricket’’s long history. Both the teams have allready secured a place in World Cup 2019 scheduled in England and Wales.
You may like| Glenn McGrath predicts the winner of 2019 Cricket World Cup.
Earlier, Windies captain Jason Holder won the toss and choosed to bat first. Mujeeb Ur Rahman took the new ball, and, as usual, his variations made life difficult for the batsmen early on as he dismissed the dangerous Gayle. Middle order batsman got the start but didn’t capitalize, as the team from Caribbean was struggling at 101-5.
Windies batters never got the momentum going and got bundled out on 204 in 46.5 overs. Mujeeb Ur Rehman was the pick of the bowlers with a figure of 4/43. Gulbadin Naib picked 2 wickets, Dawlat Zadran, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Rashid Khan picked one wicket each.
In reply, Afghanistan got off to a flying start before loosing Gulbadin Naib(14 off 28) on the score of 58. Rahmat Shah (51 off 78) and opener Mohammad Shahzad(84 off 93) then stitched a 90 run partnership to ensure that there is no batting collapse chasing a small target of 206.
When it eventually ended with Shahzad hitting one to Jason Holder at mid off, it was too late for West Indies to make a comeback. Gayle also managed to dismiss Rahmat Shah but a 36 runs stand between Shenwari and Mohammed Nabi ensured that the Asian team successfully go past the target, in just 41 over.
West Indies 204 all out in 46.5 overs (Mujeeb Ur Rahman 4-43) v Afghanistan 206-3 in 40.4 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 84, Rahmat Shah 51)
Afghanistan win the final of ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018
