Afghanistan clinch T20 series with victory over West Indies

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz smacked a blitzkrieg half-century as Afghanistan defeated West Indies by 29 runs in the third Twenty20 to claim the series 2-1.

Gurbaz samashed a quick-fire 79 off 52 deliveries as Afghanistan posted a fighting total of 156/8 in their allotted 20 overs before restricting West Indies to 127/7.

With the win the last match, Afghanistan also clinched the series after emerging victorious in the second successive match. Afghans were white washed by West Indies in the preceeding ODI series 3-0.

Afghanistan’s pace spearhead claimed three wickets to derail West Indies innings despite a valiant efforet by wicket-keeper Shai Hopes, who scored a gritty 52.

“You have to be smart and cool and calm as a professional player. Sometimes you are losing but your energy and mindset for upcoming matches is more important,” said skipper Rashid Khan.

“Yes we lost the first three ODIs and the first T20 but still the focus was that we can still win two trophies - T20s and Test cricket.”

But it was the 17-year-old Gurbaz, a wicketkeeper-batsman, who stood out with his second T20I fifty after the Afghans were in early trouble at 12 for two. Gurbaz, named man of the match, put on a crucial 50-run stand for the fourth wicket with former captain Asghar Afghan, who made 24, and surpassed his previous T20I best of 61.

He smashed six fours and five sixes before falling to West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard.

Pacemen Sheldon Cottrell, Kesrick Williams and Keemo Paul took two wickets each.

The West Indies lost regular wickets to falter in their chase against a disciplined Afghanistan attack that made the most of a slow track. Hope completed his second T20I fifty but got little support from the other end.

Bowling all-rounder Karim Janat could not repeat his heroics from the second game where he claimed five wickets and scored 26 runs, but was named man of the series.

“The guys would have taken a lot from this series and how to adapt and play on slower pitches,” said Pollard.

“We have a long-term plan, but we have to deal with what’s in front of us right now. Can’t say what will happen in October next year (for the T20 World Cup).”

The two teams will next play a one-off Test starting Nov.27.

Agencies