Afghanistan defeated West Indies by 6 runs in their final group league encounter of the World Twenty20 to sign off with their first of the Super 10 stage. The Windies, unbeaten in their first three, were restricted to 117 for eight after being set a target of 124.
The defeat changes little in the final equation as West Indies have already qualified for the semi-finals as group winner. They will play their semi-final in Mumbai.
The story of the day, however, was about the Afghan team, who have impressed with their spirited display in the tournament. After a string of close losses, the Afghans kept their calm to beat the Caribbean side, who looked formidable even in the absence of Chris Gayle.
There were emotional scenes as Afghanistan completed the formalities. Windies star Gayle, rested for today’s game, joined in to congratulate them and even posed for pictures.
Afghanistan scored 123/7 in 20 overs after being put into bat. Najibullah Zadran’s 40-ball-48 bailed the team out after being down to five for just 56 runs. The bowlers did well to maintain a disciplined line and length while defending the below-par total.
It was good to see skipper Asghar Stanikzai toss the ball to off-spinner Mohammed Nabi with the West Indies needing 10 runs of f the last over. He gave away just three. Nabi’s figures of 2/26 in four overs does not do justice to the effort that was put in.