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Afghanistan topples West Indies in warm-up clash
Afghanistan secured a comprehensive 23-run victory over the West Indies in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up match in India.
Batting first, Afghanistan’s explosive opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 43, and Ibrahim Zadran set the tone, scoring 90 runs in an 8.5-over stand.
Zadran, after an easy 50, Darwish Rasooli with 27, and Azmatullah Omarzai with 35, all chose to retire out, in a strategic move to give the middle order some time before the real action started.
Despite Roston Chase removing Sediqullah Atal for 12, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 182-6.
Shai Hope of the West Indies bats during the Second One Day International between the West Indies and England at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Nov. 02, 2024 in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images, file
The West Indies reply had no chance against a relentless Afghan attack as seamer Azmatullah Omarzai struck early to remove captain Shai Hope for five.
Afghanistan’s bowlers had the visitors wobbling on 54-5 within the first eight overs.
The crucial wicket of Rovman Powell, who scored 32 off 27, by the experienced Mohammad Nabi, took away any realistic hope of a revival in their innings.
A late, spirited cameo from Matthew Forde, who smashed an unbeaten 52 from just 26 balls, and Jason Holder’s 25 not out provided some hope for the Windies and gave a little respectability to the total, but the target proved unconquerable for the West Indies as they managed to reach up to 159-7.
Omarzai was a star all-rounder as he contributed a brisk 35 with the bat while also taking two key wickets.
With a United bowling effort, Mujeeb Ur Rahman also bagged two wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman, and Nabi each chipped in with a wicket.
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