| 0.0 : It is the final. A match which usually should have a lot of significance. But not in this case. Windies and Afghanistan are playing against each other but not with too much to look forward to, except maybe for revenge. Both teams have already qualified for the 2019 World Cup and the groups they would be featuring in have been decided too. So why are they even playing this match? Well, as they say, Sundays are usually spent on the cricketing field, not just lazying at home. Hello and a warm wel |
| Jokes apart - this is a game for pride. Windies have played Afghanistan twice in this tournament and have been beaten on both occasions. While one team will look to make a hat-trick, the other will definitely look to avoid the same. Hopefully, we get a good game of cricket. |
| WEATHER - No rain. So that is good news first up. No predictions either, though I am no astrologer and conditions could change at any given time. |
| TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. Jason Holder flips it, Heads is the call but it is a Tail. WINDIES WILL BAT FIRST. |
| Windies skipper, Jason Holder, says that it looks like a pretty good wicket and wants to put runs on the board. Adds that this is a very important game even though both teams have already qualified. Stresses that the Windies entered this tournament with a view to win it and hence the importance. Is raring to play Afghanistan and get a win against them. Informs that they are unchanged from the previous game. |
| The Afghan captain, Asghar Stanikzai, is very happy that his team has qualified for the final. On the toss, he says that the wicket looks pretty good so bowling or batting first does not matter. On the game today, he believes that winning is important. He informs that his side is unchanged as well. |
| PITCH REPORT - Dirk Nannes doing the pitch report says that the wicket has a few areas having some variance in the coverage of grass. Might have a fraction of nip but more or less, a good batting deck, he says. |
| Time now for the national anthems. The Afghanistan one first up. |
| 'Rally..... Rally round the West Indies...' dies down with an applause and that signals the end of the anthems. Time to play some cricket now. |
| The players take their positions on the field. They say, fear the calm behind the storm. Two destructive openers - Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis - walk out calmly. When will they start to explode? From ball 1? Dawlat Zadran to bowl first up to Gayle. Here we go... |
| 0.1 : D Zadran to C Gayle, Full and straight, defended back to the bowler. |
| 0.2 : D Zadran to C Gayle, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Off the mark are C and W - Chris and Windies. |
| 0.3 : D Zadran to C Gayle, Full and outside off, punched towards mid off. |
| 0.4 : D Zadran to C Gayle, A bouncer now, down the leg side, Chris ducks. |
| 0.5 : D Zadran to C Gayle, That is a beauty. Dawlat means money in Urdu and Hindi. And that is exactly what Mr. Zadran does. Pitches this up on a length around off, CG has to play at it but then the ball moves away off the seam just a touch and beats him. |
| 0.6 : D Zadran to C Gayle, Full and straight, watchfully defended. |
| Mujeeb Zadran to bowl with the second new ball. |
| 1.1 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. Both openers are off the mark. |
| 1.2 : Ur Rahman to C Gayle, Around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 1.3 : Ur Rahman to C Gayle, Short and outside off, Gayle punches it towards backward point and takes a quick single. There is a wild throw over the keeper but short mid-wicket mops it up. |
| 1.4 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, Down the leg side, Evin misses his flick and is hit on the pads. |
| 1.5 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, The batsman appears to have been struck on the thigh pad. |
| 1.6 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, On middle and leg, whipped towards short mid-wicket. |
| 2.1 : D Zadran to C Gayle, On middle and leg, Gayle ducks. A bouncer that was. |
| 2.2 : D Zadran to C Gayle, Around off and middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 2.3 : D Zadran to C Gayle, A short ball, down the leg side, Gayle just helps it down to fine leg for a single. |
| 2.4 : D Zadran to E Lewis, WIDE. Down the leg side, a tad short again, Lewis tries to do what Gayle did on the previous ball but misses. |
| D Zadran to E Lewis, Corrects his line, lands it in front of the stumps, Lewis stays behind and punches it towards mid off. |
| 2.5 : D Zadran to E Lewis, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 2.6 : D Zadran to E Lewis, Outside off, angling away, left alone. |
| 3.1 : Ur Rahman to C Gayle, Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 3.2 : Ur Rahman to C Gayle, Down the leg side, Gayle looks to flick but the ball goes off the inside edge, onto his pads and through fine leg. A single taken. |
| 3.3 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, On middle, pushed towards short mid-wicket. |
| 3.4 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, FOUR! There comes the first boundary in the fourth over. A short ball, down the leg side. Lewis just helps it past short fine leg. |
| 3.5 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, Around middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 3.6 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, Short and outside off, Lewis looks to cut but misses. |
| 4.1 : D Zadran to C Gayle, FOUR! There comes the second boundary! Storm brewing now? A length ball on middle, Gayle, who was just content on giving such stuff some respect in the previous overs has had enough. Just swings it through the line and clears mid on comfortably. |
| 4.2 : D Zadran to C Gayle, Outside off, pushed towards point. |
| 4.3 : D Zadran to C Gayle, Yes... signs are that the storm is definitely coming. A length ball outside off, Chris has a wild hack but misses. Extra bounce did him in. |
| 4.4 : D Zadran to C Gayle, Full and outside off, CG looks to blast this out of the park again but is too far from the ball and toe-ends it wide of mid off for a run. |
| 4.5 : D Zadran to E Lewis, Wow. Good ball, even better shout. On a good length, around middle, Lewis gets across and then shoulders arms. Is hit on the thighs as the ball goes through to the keeper and Afghanistan appeal. The umpire calmly shakes his head. Going well over... |
| 4.6 : D Zadran to E Lewis, On a length outside off, shaping away, shouldered arms to again. |
| 5.1 : Ur Rahman to C Gayle, OUT! Mujeeb gets his man again! Storm or not, well someone is there to delay the same. Massive, massive wicket for Afghanistan. The dangerous Chris Gayle is gone. It is the spinner again. He tosses this up outside off and Gayle's eyes light up. His first reaction is to send this out of the park. But he fails to read the wiliness in that delivery. Slowing up the pace. Gayle is already through his shot when the ball comes. Result? A leading edge, induced because of the |
| 0.0 : Interesting. Shai Hope walks in at number 3, replacing Gayle. |
| 5.2 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, A short ball down the leg side, Lewis looks to pull but misses and is hit on the thigh pads. |
| 5.3 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, Outside off now, pushed straight to cover. |
| 5.4 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, One more short ball down the leg side, Evin looks to sit down and pull but the ball goes off his pads again, to short fine leg. They take a single and there is no signal, so must have been an inside edge. |
| 5.5 : Ur Rahman to S Hope, Outside off, punched towards cover. |
| 5.6 : Ur Rahman to S Hope, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. Just a run and a wicket from that over for Mujeeb, whose figures read 3-0-8-1. |
| 6.1 : D Zadran to E Lewis, WIDE. Way too far outside off, Lewis simply throws his bat at it and misses. |
| D Zadran to E Lewis, Outside off, angling away, left alone. |
| 6.2 : D Zadran to E Lewis, Outside off, punched towards mid off. |
| 6.3 : D Zadran to E Lewis, Yes, that is out! But only according to Mohammad Shahzad. A short ball, angling away from outside off, Evin slashes but misses. Shahzad collects and then throws the ball in the air in jubilation and on seeing that, his team mates feel bad and start to appeal. The ball missed the outside edge not by a whisker, but by a mile. |
| 6.4 : D Zadran to E Lewis, Outside off, pushed to the off side. |
| 6.5 : D Zadran to E Lewis, A bouncer now, on middle and leg, EL ducks. That almost took his head off. |
| 6.6 : D Zadran to E Lewis, Down the leg side, Lewis looks to help it away but misses and is hit on the pads. A leg bye taken. |
| 7.1 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, Ooohh... full and outside off, Lewis looks to drive but the ball spins back in and takes the inside edge onto his pads. |
| 7.2 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, A tad short, punched towards mid on. |
| 7.3 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, Similar ball, this time it is played with soft hands in front of mid on for a quick single. |
| 7.4 : Ur Rahman to S Hope, Nice loop outside off, Hope looks to drive but the ball comes slowly off the pitch and goes off the inside edge back to the bowler. |
| 7.5 : Ur Rahman to S Hope, Around off, punched down to long on for a run. |
| 7.6 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, FOUR! Bad luck. A short ball outside off, Lewis punches it through point where Sharafuddin misfields and the ball goes through. Dawlat Zadran gives it a good chase from short third man and gets to the ball, only to kick it into the ropes. |
| 8.1 : D Zadran to S Hope, Outside off, left alone. |
| 8.2 : D Zadran to S Hope, Excellent fielding! Does not matter if this is a dead rubber. The Afghans are up for it. A short ball outside off, Hope punches it through the covers where Sharafuddin Ashraf dives full stretch to his right and stops it with one hand. Brilliant. |
| 8.3 : D Zadran to S Hope, Landed outside off, punched behind point for an easy single. |
| 8.4 : D Zadran to E Lewis, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot, this time towards short mid-wicket. |
| 8.5 : D Zadran to E Lewis, That spit off the pitch. A short ball on middle, Lewis looks to defend but the ball bounces sharply and the batsman tries to fend it away. Then tries to take his hand away and the ball flies off the edge to the off side. |
| 8.6 : D Zadran to E Lewis, FOUR! FLAMBOYANT! Nothing wrong with this delivery. Half volley outside off, Lewis comes forward and drives it wide of Rashid Khan at mid off to the fence. |
| 9.1 : Ur Rahman to S Hope, 1000 ODI runs for Shai Hope! At an average close to 39. Not bad. On middle, Shai goes back and punches it down to long on for a single. |
| 9.2 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, FOUR! Short and outside off, Lewis rocks back and crunches it through cover for a boundary. |
| 9.3 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, FOUR! Another boundary! Full and down the leg side, Lewis gets down and sweeps it past short fine leg for boundaries in succession! |
| 9.4 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, A short ball, punched down to mid on now. |
| 9.5 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, FOUR! Excellent batting! Another short ball, this time Lewis punches it through the covers. Sharafuddin Ashraf covers a lot of ground from cover, reaches the ball, dives and tries to pull back in but in vain. |
| 9.6 : Ur Rahman to E Lewis, Ball hits the batsman low on the pads. 43/1 in Powerplay 1. |
| POWERPLAY 2 time. |
| 10.1 : G Naib to S Hope, That ball has taken the inside edge of the batsman and thudded into his pads. |
| 10.2 : G Naib to S Hope, SIX! What a shot. On a length outside off, Hope swings it way over long on! |
| 10.3 : G Naib to S Hope, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 10.4 : G Naib to S Hope, Outside off, steered to third man for a single. |
| 10.5 : G Naib to E Lewis, What has happened there? A short ball wide outside off, Lewis slashes hard and gets a thick outside edge which almost carries to third man. Lewis thinks he is a goner and does not run. Then sees that the ball is not carrying to third man and starts to run. Now Hope, who had already started to run but then stopped on seeing Lewis stationary, sends his partner back. |
| 10.6 : G Naib to E Lewis, OUT! Edged and gone! |
| Marlon Samuels walks in at number 4, replacing Lewis. |
| Mohammad Nabi to bowl now. |
| 11.1 : M Nabi to S Hope, No run. |
| 11.2 : M Nabi to S Hope, The batsman has played it to the point region for a single. |
| 11.3 : M Nabi to M Samuels, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 11.4 : M Nabi to M Samuels, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 11.5 : M Nabi to S Hope, Full and outside off, driven towards mid off for a quick run. |
| 11.6 : M Nabi to M Samuels, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| Sharafuddin Ashraf to bowl now. |
| 12.1 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, Outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| 12.2 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 12.3 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, Down the leg side, helped fine for a single. |
| 12.4 : S Ashraf to S Hope, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 12.5 : S Ashraf to S Hope, Full on middle, pushed down to long on for a single. |
| 12.6 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, Outside off, pushed to the off side. |
| Gulbadin Naib to bowl now. |
| 13.1 : G Naib to S Hope, Outside off, left alone. |
| 13.2 : G Naib to S Hope, Outside off, pushed to point. |
| 13.3 : G Naib to S Hope, Full on middle, pushed towards long on for a single. |
| 13.4 : G Naib to M Samuels, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. |
| 13.5 : G Naib to M Samuels, A short ball, pulled away for a run. |
| 13.6 : G Naib to S Hope, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. |
| 14.1 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 14.2 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, On middle and leg, flicked away for a single. |
| 14.3 : S Ashraf to S Hope, Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single. |
| 14.4 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 14.5 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 14.6 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single. |
| 15.1 : G Naib to M Samuels, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 15.2 : G Naib to M Samuels, The batsman gets an inside edge on that which goes fine down the leg side. |
| 15.3 : G Naib to M Samuels, Short and outside off, Samuels looks to cut but gets a bottom edge. |
| 15.4 : G Naib to M Samuels, A short delivery which has been pulled away. |
| 15.5 : G Naib to M Samuels, FOUR! Outside off, steered through point for a boundary! |
| 15.6 : G Naib to M Samuels, SIX. |
| 16.1 : S Ashraf to S Hope, 1 run. |
| 16.2 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, Played straight to point. |
| 16.3 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 16.4 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, Outside off, played straight to point. |
| 16.5 : S Ashraf to M Samuels, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 16.6 : S Ashraf to S Hope, Ball hits the batsman low on the pads. |
| 17.1 : G Naib to M Samuels, A bouncer to start the over, Samuels ducks. |
| 17.2 : G Naib to M Samuels, OUT! Straight to the man! A short ball, Samuels pulls it but it is straight to short mid-wicket. Rahmat Shah does not have to move even an inch. What a waste of a wicket. |
| Shimron Hetmyer is in now... |
| 17.3 : G Naib to S Hetmyer, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 17.4 : G Naib to S Hetmyer, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. |
| 17.5 : G Naib to S Hetmyer, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single. |
| 17.6 : G Naib to S Hope, Outside off, left alone. |
| Mohammad Nabi is on again... |
| 18.1 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 18.2 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, IN THE AIR... SAFE! Tossed up outside off, Hetmyer comes down the track and looks to go big. He mistimes it and Dawlat Zadran runs back from mid on for the catch. Almost gets to the ball but it lands out of reach. He then almost kicks it towards the ropes but has to dive and pull it back in. Two runs taken. |
| 18.3 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 18.4 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single. |
| 18.5 : M Nabi to S Hope, Pushes it through mid off for a run. |
| 18.6 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 19.1 : G Naib to S Hope, Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 19.2 : G Naib to S Hope, Outside off, punched through the covers for a couple. |
| 19.3 : G Naib to S Hope, Flicks it away for a run. |
| 19.4 : G Naib to S Hetmyer, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. |
| 19.5 : G Naib to S Hetmyer, FOUR! Goes for the yorker, does Naib but ends up bowling a low full toss. Hetmyer swings it through mid-wicket and finds the boundary. |
| 19.6 : G Naib to S Hetmyer, Full and wide outside off, Shimron reaches out to drive but gets a thick outside edge which almost carries to third man. Just a single. |
| Finally he is here. Rashid Khan to bowl. |
| 20.1 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, That ball has taken the inside edge onto the pads. |
| 20.2 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 20.3 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Short and outside off, cut straight to backward point. |
| 20.4 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, FOUR! Down the leg side, Hetmyer tickles it fine and gets a boundary. |
| 20.5 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 20.6 : R Khan to S Hope, Full on middle, pushed down to long on for a single. |
| Mohammad Nabi is back on. |
| 21.1 : M Nabi to S Hope, Flicks this away for a single. |
| 21.2 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 21.3 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, The batsman gets to the pitch of the ball and connects. |
| 21.4 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, Tossed up wider outside off, Hetmyer reaches out and drives it straight to short extra cover. |
| 21.5 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, Comes down the track this time and flicks it straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 21.6 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, Nicely done. Short and outside off, Shimron goes back and cuts it behind point. Dawlat runs back from short third man and gets to it before it makes it to the fence. Two runs taken. |
| 22.1 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. |
| 22.2 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 22.3 : R Khan to S Hope, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 22.4 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Gone! No? Full and outside off, Hetmyer goes back to cut but misses. There is a massive inside edge but Shahzad does not appeal. Rashid does but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 22.5 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 22.6 : R Khan to S Hope, OUT! Hope is gone! Well, but has he hit it? On middle, Hope looks to pull but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. Rashid appeals and up goes the finger! 100 ODI wickets for Rashid! Big achievement. This should not have been a wicket but the fourth ball should have been. |
| Jason Holder comes in now. |
| 23.1 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, The batsman has driven it through mid off. |
| 23.2 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, OUT! Another one departs! West Indies are losing their way now as half the side is back in the hut. Hetmyer skips down the track to this tossed up delivery and lofts it over extra cover. They run the first one hard and go for another as well. Rahmat Shah from long off sprints across to his right and does well to stop the ball. The batsmen look to seal another and Holder responds to his partner. But Hetmyer at the last moment sends him back. The throw comes in towards t |
| Rovman Powell walks in |
| 23.3 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 23.4 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, The batsman drives this through the covers. One run added to the total. |
| 23.5 : M Nabi to R Powell, Outside off, Powell plays inside the line and almost edges it. |
| 23.6 : M Nabi to R Powell, Driven towards cover. |
| 24.1 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Flatter on the stumps, punched off the back foot. |
| 24.2 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Fuller around middle, worked towards the leg side. |
| 24.3 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, An appeal for LBW! Quicker ball on middle, Hetmyet looks to swipe it across the line but misses and wears it on the pads. A loud appeal but the height seemed to be an issue. No, replays show it's pitched outside leg. |
| 24.4 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, FOUR! That will do! Around leg, Shimron gets down and sweeps it towards fine leg for a boundary. |
| 24.5 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. Two runs added to the total. |
| 24.6 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Goes back and punches it towards point. |
| 25.1 : M Nabi to R Powell, Straighter one on off, Rovman presses forward to defend but misses. |
| 25.2 : M Nabi to R Powell, Floated around off, blocked into the ground. |
| 25.3 : M Nabi to R Powell, Makes a bit of room and drives it to mid off. |
| 25.4 : M Nabi to R Powell, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 25.5 : M Nabi to R Powell, Loops it up on off, bunted back to the bowler. |
| 25.6 : M Nabi to R Powell, A maiden over from Nabi as Powell pushes this tossed up ball back towards him. |
| 26.1 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, On a flatter trajectory, punched back to the bowler off the back foot. |
| 0.0 : A short leg in place now... |
| 26.2 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Takes a stride forward to this googly and drives it through cover for a single. |
| 26.3 : R Khan to R Powell, Sends it quicker through the air, it skids off the surface as the batsmen shoulders his arms. |
| 26.4 : R Khan to R Powell, Another shout for an LBW! Powell is not picking Rashid at all. This one is a leg-break, pitches on middle and turns in to ping Rovman on the pads. They appeal but seemed like going down leg. |
| 26.5 : R Khan to R Powell, Goes back to another flatter ball and misses to get hit high on the thigh pad. |
| 26.6 : R Khan to R Powell, Full on off, patted into the cover region. Just a single from the over. |
| 27.1 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, Darted around the pads, worked away towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 27.2 : M Nabi to R Powell, Another huge shout! Quicker ball, turning in from around off, Powell goes back to punch it away but seems to have gotten an inside on the pads and hence the appeal is turned down. Good decision as replays confirm the same. |
| 27.3 : M Nabi to R Powell, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 27.4 : M Nabi to R Powell, Flicks it through mid-wicket and take a brace. |
| 27.5 : M Nabi to R Powell, Goes back to a short ball and punches it towards cover. |
| 27.6 : M Nabi to R Powell, Eases it down to long on for a single to end the over. |
| 28.1 : R Khan to R Powell, Full and around off, Powell looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge to short fine leg. |
| 28.2 : R Khan to R Powell, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 28.3 : R Khan to R Powell, Ball hits the batsman low on the pads. The fielding side is asking the question. The Umpire decides the batsman is not out. |
| 28.4 : R Khan to R Powell, Works this through mid-wicket and gets a couple. |
| 28.5 : R Khan to R Powell, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 28.6 : R Khan to S Hetmyer, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off. A quick run taken. |
| 29.1 : M Nabi to S Hetmyer, Outside off, punched through point for a single. |
| 29.2 : M Nabi to R Powell, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 29.3 : M Nabi to R Powell, SIX! HUMONGOUS! Brilliant shot. Full and outside off, Powell gets down and mows it over long on! |
| 29.4 : M Nabi to R Powell, SIX! A miscue but a biggie again! Nabi tosses this up a bit more above the eyeline and Powell looks to go big once more. He is not quite to the pitch of the ball and mistimes it. Long off is interested but unluckily for him, the ball tips over the bar. |
| 29.5 : M Nabi to R Powell, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 29.6 : M Nabi to R Powell, Pushes this down to long on for a quick run. 14 from the over. |
| Sharafuddin Ashraf is back on. |
| 30.1 : S Ashraf to R Powell, Full and outside off, Powell works it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 30.2 : S Ashraf to R Powell, Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single. |
| 30.3 : S Ashraf to S Hetmyer, Outside off, pushed straight to point. |
| 30.4 : S Ashraf to S Hetmyer, Nice shot. Comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and chips it over mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 30.5 : S Ashraf to S Hetmyer, Comes down the track again and pushes this to cover. |
| 30.6 : S Ashraf to S Hetmyer, Short and outside off, cut through the covers for a single. |
| Yes... Mujeeb Zadran is back on. That yes was not because I wanted it but because we sensed it. Afghanistan need a wicket. This partnership is getting dangerous for them. Also, Shahzad has something to say to Hetmyer who does not feel shy in giving it back. Cricket these days... |
| 31.1 : Ur Rahman to S Hetmyer, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 31.2 : Ur Rahman to S Hetmyer, On middle and leg, worked through the leg side for a single. |
| 31.3 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails. |
| 31.4 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Landed outside off, Rovman keeps his bat inside the line as he lets it go. |
| More sledging from Shahzad, this time to Powell. |
| 31.5 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 31.6 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Another forward defense to end the over. |
| 32.1 : S Ashraf to S Hetmyer, A tad short on middle and leg, pulled through square leg for a couple. |
| 32.2 : S Ashraf to S Hetmyer, Fuller this time, outside off, Hetmyer lunges and pushes it towards short third man. |
| 32.3 : S Ashraf to S Hetmyer, Short now, cut straight to short third man. |
| 32.4 : S Ashraf to S Hetmyer, Another long hop, pulled straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 32.5 : S Ashraf to S Hetmyer, OUT! Ashraf gets the breakthrough! He fires this in, around off and Hetmyer looks to push it to the off side. But the ball goes away, takes the outside edge and Shahzad behind fumbles, but takes it in the second attempt. Hetmyer puts his head down in disappointment. The umpire raises his finger on the appeal and off goes Shimron. Looked really good while he was out there. |
| Remember the name. He will need to remind Afghanistan that today. Carlos Brathwaite walks in. |
| 32.6 : S Ashraf to C Brathwaite, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 33.1 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Full and around off, solidly defended. |
| 33.2 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, FOUR! Full and around off, Powell swings mightily and all he gets is a thick inside edge. Luckily for him, the ball goes over short mid-wicket and races to the fence. The fielder in the deep makes a desperate attempt to stop the ball with a dive but in vain. |
| 33.3 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Around off, blocked back to the bowler. |
| 33.4 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Full and on off, once again Rovman swings hard. Gets another inside edge which goes straight to short fine leg. |
| 33.5 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 33.6 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 34.1 : S Ashraf to C Brathwaite, Full and around off, pushed to the leg side for a quick single. |
| 34.2 : S Ashraf to R Powell, Full again, eased down to long on for a run. |
| 34.3 : S Ashraf to C Brathwaite, SIX! IMPERIOUS! There comes the first one. For CB, that is. Full and outside off, Brathwaite just dispatches it out of his presence with a swing over long on. New balls please! |
| That ball is not coming back. Out comes the box of balls for the replacement. |
| 34.4 : S Ashraf to C Brathwaite, Full again, pushed down to long on for one. |
| 34.5 : S Ashraf to R Powell, Outside off, pushed straight to cover. |
| 34.6 : S Ashraf to R Powell, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. |
| DRINKS are on the field. Wonder why didn't they do so when the ball was lost. Anyways. The Windies are approaching a T20 approach - hitting, counter-attacking and not really putting their heads down. That could take them past 250 but also could see them bowled out under 200. |
| Mujeeb Zadran is back on. |
| 35.1 : Ur Rahman to C Brathwaite, Outside off, Brathwaite plays inside the line and is beaten. |
| 35.2 : Ur Rahman to C Brathwaite, Another play and a miss. Almost a carbon copy of the previous ball. Shahzad appeals for a catch but the umpire says no. |
| 35.3 : Ur Rahman to C Brathwaite, FOUR! MURDERED! This man won't die wondering. See ball, hit ball. Full and outside off, Brathwaite gets down and mows it over mid-wicket for a one-bounce boundary. |
| 35.4 : Ur Rahman to C Brathwaite, Driven through mid on by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| 35.5 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, The ball strikes the batsman very low on the pads. |
| 35.6 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single. |
| Rashid Khan is back on. 5 overs left for him. |
| 36.1 : R Khan to R Powell, Around off, the googly straightaway, punched towards short mid-wicket. |
| 36.2 : R Khan to R Powell, Now the leggie, punched towards long on but short mid-wicket intercepts with a dive to his left. |
| 36.3 : R Khan to R Powell, Very full, pushed through mid on for a single. |
| 36.4 : R Khan to C Brathwaite, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| 36.5 : R Khan to R Powell, Full and around off, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 36.6 : R Khan to R Powell, Pushes this towards long on for a run. |
| Dawlat Zadran is back on. |
| 37.1 : D Zadran to R Powell, Around off, defended back to the bowler. |
| 37.2 : D Zadran to R Powell, A length ball on middle, skewed over mid on for a couple. |
| 37.3 : D Zadran to R Powell, Outside off, tapped behind point for a single. |
| 37.4 : D Zadran to C Brathwaite, OUT! There goes number 7. Total waste of a wicket. See ball, hit ball, bye bye. A length ball outside off, Brathwaite just looks to pull this out of the ground but is nowhere near the ball. Gets into an awkward position and gets a top edge. Mid off gets across to his right and takes a dolly. That is just a poor shot. Only a wild swing, no sense in picking the balls to hit. Windies going down the barrel. |
| Who is left now? The bowlers. Perhaps not what the doctor ordered at this stage. Ashley Nurse in a lot sooner than he would have liked. |
| 37.5 : D Zadran to A Nurse, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total. |
| 37.6 : D Zadran to R Powell, A bouncer on off, Powell ducks. 4 runs and a wicket from the comeback over - 6-0-19-1 for Dawlat so far. |
| 38.1 : R Khan to A Nurse, On middle, whipped through square leg for a single. |
| 38.2 : R Khan to R Powell, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. They pick up a single. |
| 38.3 : R Khan to A Nurse, Outside off, punched straight to cover. |
| 38.4 : R Khan to A Nurse, Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 38.5 : R Khan to R Powell, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single. |
| 38.6 : R Khan to A Nurse, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 39.1 : D Zadran to R Powell, Outside off, steered to third man for a single. |
| 39.2 : D Zadran to A Nurse, A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 39.3 : D Zadran to R Powell, The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery. |
| 39.4 : D Zadran to R Powell, Outside off, dabbed to third man for a single. |
| 39.5 : D Zadran to A Nurse, FOUR! A short ball, outside off, Nurse looks to pull but miscues it. The ball goes in the air but lands in between the two fielders into the mid-wicket fence. |
| 39.6 : D Zadran to A Nurse, The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery. |
| Powerplay 3 time. 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. |
| 40.1 : R Khan to R Powell, Outside off, punched down to long on for a single. |
| 40.2 : R Khan to A Nurse, FOUR! Good shot. Full on middle, Nurse gets down and sweeps it over short fine leg for a boundary. |
| 40.3 : R Khan to A Nurse, The batsman has played the paddle sweep. One run added to the total. |
| 40.4 : R Khan to R Powell, Outside off, pushed towards point for a single. |
| 40.5 : R Khan to A Nurse, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single. |
| 40.6 : R Khan to R Powell, Full and straight, well defended. |
| Mohammad Nabi is back on. |
| 41.1 : M Nabi to A Nurse, Full and straight, defended back to the bowler. |
| 41.2 : M Nabi to A Nurse, On leg and middle, pushed to the off side. Nurse wants a single but is sent back. |
| 41.3 : M Nabi to A Nurse, RUN OUT CHANCE, MISSED! Rovman Powell has run two. And the Windies have scored none. Full on middle and leg, Ashley presses this to the leg side and calls for a quick single. Powell responds but then Nurse sees Sharafuddin Ashraf charging onto the ball from short mid-wicket and stops. Rovman is too quick and comes too close to him to shake hands. Nurse prefers to go back now and it should have been an easy run out at the bowler's end. But in his excitement, Ashraf return |
| 41.4 : M Nabi to A Nurse, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 41.5 : M Nabi to R Powell, The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 41.6 : M Nabi to A Nurse, The ball has been square driven by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| Well, he missed the run out chance. So as a punishment, the skipper has given him the ball to give him a breakthrough. Sharafuddin Ashraf to bowl now. |
| 42.1 : S Ashraf to A Nurse, Full and around off, pushed towards cover. |
| 42.2 : S Ashraf to A Nurse, On middle and leg, played with soft hands towards mid-wicket for a quick single. |
| 42.3 : S Ashraf to R Powell, A tad short, punched towards long on for a run. |
| 42.4 : S Ashraf to A Nurse, Short again, pushed through the covers for a couple now. |
| 42.5 : S Ashraf to A Nurse, Outside off, placed straight to point. |
| 42.6 : S Ashraf to A Nurse, Full again, pressed to the off side. |
| Mohammad Nabi continues... |
| 43.1 : M Nabi to R Powell, Full on middle and leg, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 43.2 : M Nabi to R Powell, Short and outside off, punched towards short mid-wicket. |
| 43.3 : M Nabi to R Powell, A short ball down the leg side, Powell misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads to Mohammad Shahzad who fumbles. |
| 43.4 : M Nabi to R Powell, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| 43.5 : M Nabi to R Powell, On middle and leg, pushed towards long on for a single. |
| 43.6 : M Nabi to A Nurse, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| Mujeeb Ur Rehman is back on. |
| 44.1 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Straightaway induces an outside edge as Powell looks to drive. The ball goes to short third man. |
| 44.2 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Outside off, pushed wide of cover for a single. |
| 44.3 : Ur Rahman to A Nurse, WIDE. Nurse gets down and across to paddle and Mujeeb fires it down the leg side. Should that have been a wide? |
| Ur Rahman to A Nurse, An appeal for a catch now. Full and outside off, Ashley pushes but misses. |
| 44.4 : Ur Rahman to A Nurse, Full and outside off, this time AN connects with his paddle and gets it towards short fine leg. Hang on. Leg bye signalled. |
| 44.5 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, Full again, Powell looks to unwind but does not quite get the speed as the ball comes on very slowly. Prefers to defend. |
| 44.6 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, On middle, worked wide of long on for a couple. |
| Rashid Khan is back on. |
| 45.1 : R Khan to A Nurse, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 45.2 : R Khan to A Nurse, MISFIELD, FOUR! Poor from Rashid, poorer from Dawlat. Full and on middle, Nurse gets down and paddles it through fine leg. Dawlat Zadran jogs to his right from short fine leg, gets to the ball but is lazy to bend and the ball goes through. 200 UP FOR THE WINDIES. How many more? |
| 45.3 : R Khan to A Nurse, Tucks it through square leg for a single. |
| 45.4 : R Khan to R Powell, Pushes this to long on for one more. |
| 45.5 : R Khan to A Nurse, The batsman has played it fine down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 45.6 : R Khan to R Powell, The batsman failed to make contact and was hit low on the pads. A strong appeal from the bowler and fielders. The Umpire decides the batsman is not out. |
| 46.1 : Ur Rahman to A Nurse, Full and outside off, pressed wide of long on for a single. |
| 46.2 : Ur Rahman to R Powell, OUT! BOWLED! The off stump is in the gloves of Shahzad. A quick off spinner, outside off, almost a dart, Powell looks to get this out of the park with an almighty heave. Misses and the ball crashes into the off stump, uproots it and Mohammad Shahzad, who is standing up to collect the ball, collects the timber instead. Rovman could have perhaps delayed his intentions by a couple of more overs. But a terrific innings nevertheless. |
| Keemo Paul walks in at number 10, replacing Powell. |
| 46.3 : Ur Rahman to K Paul, A short ball down the leg side, Paul looks to flick but the ball goes off his pads to short fine leg. |
| 46.4 : Ur Rahman to K Paul, OUT! LBW! Mujeeb has his second in the over. Landed outside off, Paul lunges to defend but the ball spins back in sharply and catches him plumb in front of the wickets. Easy decision for the umpire. |
| Kemar Roach is the last man in. 20 balls left... |
| 46.5 : Ur Rahman to K Roach, OUT! BOWLED! The Windies have been bowled out with 19 balls to spare. Criminal offense, irrespective of the match result. This is a googly from Mujeeb, bowling it from the back of the hand, like India's Anil Kumble. Roach lunges to defend, just like Paul, but misses the ball. The off stump is pegged back and the Windies have set a target of 205 for Afghanistan. |
| Have you ever observed a warm-up match? Where one team plays for some batting and bowling practice while the other is playing simply because you cannot have bowling machines on a cricket ground. Well, this so-called final is no different. Afghanistan, still, have bowled superbly but the batting from the Windies was nothing short of listless. |
| Dawlat - meaning money in Urdu - was right on the money from his end while Mujeeb gave him good company. The Windies stuttered in Powerplay 1, lost Chris Gayle early but then recovered nicely. Evin Lewis and Shai Hope played really well but then, the game turned. |
| Gulbadin Naib got rid of Evin Lewis and the Windies started to lose patience. The wicket is a slow one but no one was ready to work for his runs. Some really poor cricket saw them slip to 101/5 and then Hetmyer and Powell tried to play some proper cricket. But once the former was dismissed, the momentum went back to the Afghans. |
| 44 was the highest score in the Windies' innings. That tells you the story about the pitch. But it certainly is not a 204 all out one and Deep Dasgupta on air reckons that it is at least 20-30 runs below par. |
| Full credit to Afghanistan for playing with full concentration in a 'who-cares-what-happens-whoever-wins' game. They stuck to their strength, being spin. Dawlat Zadran kept things nice and tight in Powerplay 1 but Mujeeb Ur Rehman was the one who did the big damage by removing Chris Gayle early. Then Naib chipped in with the wickets of Evin Lewis and Marlon Samuels, paving the way for Mujeeb to clean up the tail. The offie-cum-leggie picked up 4 wickets, leaving us confused as to what does he ac |
| Dawlat Zadran says that the plan was set by the coach, expecting the Windies to take the bowlers on in the initial overs. Hence the idea was to bowl a tight line and length. Praises Mujeeb Ur Rehman for his support from the other end with the new balls. Adds that he just bowled with free rhythm today, devoid of any tension but considers this game as still important. |
| John Mooney, Afghanistan's fielding coach, says that bowling is Afghanistan's strength. Praises Mujeeb for taking care of the Windies' tail. 205 will be taken every day, says Mooney. Laughs on the possibility of Afghanistan being knocked out even before the Super Six but then being lucky to get in. Then says that the first game against the Windies in the Super Six changed the confidence. On Afghanistan's issues with the bat in this tournament, John says that the middle overs have been the proble |
| So who will win the game? Afghanistan? Windies? A tie? Do join us in a few minutes' time to check whether the Men In Maroon show some gumption with the ball. |
| 0.0 : Innings break or a Tea break? My colleague Sanchit sums up the situation beautifully with a question - 'They have already returned'? Seriously, that was hardly a break. |
| The players are back out in the middle, with Chris Gayle and Mohammad Shahzad joking with some dance moves. The rehearsal is over it seems, because Mohammad Shahzad is on to bat along with Gulbadin Naib. The skies are overcast as well. Oh dear... Kemar Roach to start the proceedings... |
| 0.1 : K Roach to M Shahzad, Starts off with a length ball outside off, no swing on offer and Shahzad makes a leave. |
| 0.2 : K Roach to M Shahzad, Fuller in length on off, it swings away a touch. Shahzad mistimes his drive towards covers. He played that from away from his body. Too early to do so, also not needed with the target not being that big. |
| 0.3 : K Roach to M Shahzad, Afghanistan are underway! On the pads, Shahzad flicks it nicely but to the man at fine leg for a run. |
| 0.4 : K Roach to G Naib, Just ahead of a length on off, Naib pushes it to covers. |
| 0.5 : K Roach to G Naib, Back of a length on off, Naib rocks back and guides it to point. |
| 0.6 : K Roach to G Naib, Roach goes wider outside off, but bowls it inside the tramline. He wanted Naib to go after it but the opener leaves it alone. Just a single from the first over, a good one by Roach. |
| Jason Holder will bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : J Holder to M Shahzad, On a length around off, Shahzad blocks it out. |
| 1.2 : J Holder to M Shahzad, Extra bounce! On a length around off, takes off after pitching. Shahzad negotiates it well by taking a hand off the handle. |
| 1.3 : J Holder to M Shahzad, First runs off Holder! Shortish outside off, Shahzad punches it in the gap in the cover region for a brace. |
| 1.4 : J Holder to M Shahzad, FOUR! Lucky but Shahzad will take it all day! Holder goes for the short ball outside off, Shahzad tries to drag his pull from outside off but gets a top edge which flies down towards the fine leg fence. First for the innings. |
| 1.5 : J Holder to M Shahzad, Goes back to bowling length and outside off, Shahzad makes a leave. |
| 1.6 : J Holder to M Shahzad, Good line! On off and on a length, a little too closer however. Shahzad works it towards mid on. He thinks about a run but then sends his partner back. |
| 2.1 : K Roach to G Naib, Goes wide of the crease and bowls it full on off, Naib drives it uppishly but well short of the fielder at mid on. The ball stuck into the pitch there and hence it was driven uppishly. |
| 2.2 : K Roach to G Naib, This is not the line you want to be bowling on this pitch! Short and on off, the batsman this time ducks under it. But I feel this length will be easily negotiated due to the slowness of the surface. |
| 2.3 : K Roach to G Naib, Maybe Roach realizes that and this time he bowls it on a length around off, Naib defends it out. |
| 2.4 : K Roach to G Naib, Another edge and it is the outside one. There are two slips waiting for it but it evades them and goes down to third man for a run. |
| 2.5 : K Roach to M Shahzad, FOUR! Shahzad is continuing from where he left off from the last game. Full and outside off, Shahzad hits it over the bowler's head. He tries to catch it with one hand but the ball has already passed him and goes into the fence. |
| 2.6 : K Roach to M Shahzad, A leg bye to end the over! On the pads, Shahzad misses the flick and the ball rolls towards point as the batsmen sneak a leg bye. |
| 3.1 : J Holder to M Shahzad, FOUR! Shahzad is in a hurry here! Just ahead of a length on off, the opener swings at the ball. He does not time it that well but he connects well enough for the ball to go over mid on and another boundary results. |
| 3.2 : J Holder to M Shahzad, Wide outside off, Shahzad was shaping up to give it a thwack but then makes a leave. |
| 3.3 : J Holder to M Shahzad, Back of a length on off, Shahzad pushes it to covers. |
| 3.4 : J Holder to M Shahzad, A rare wild delivery by Holder! A bouncer down the leg side, Shahzad lets it be and the umpire calls it a wide. |
| J Holder to M Shahzad, Angles it into the batsman, cramping him for room. Shahzad still works it towards mid on for a quick run. |
| 3.5 : J Holder to G Naib, Back of a length on off, defended towards covers. |
| 3.6 : J Holder to G Naib, On a length outside off, Naib guides it down to third man for a run. |
| 4.1 : K Roach to G Naib, FOUR! That almost goes all the way! A bad ball, you expect the batsman to be putting these away. A half-volley on leg stump, Naib flicks it uppishly over square leg for a boundary. 181 more needed. |
| 4.2 : K Roach to G Naib, Good length outside off, Naib leaves it alone. |
| 4.3 : K Roach to G Naib, Fuller again but outside off, Naib shoulders arms to it. |
| 4.4 : K Roach to G Naib, Back of a length on off, defended. |
| 4.5 : K Roach to G Naib, On a length around off, guided to point. So just a boundary of the first ball, 4 dots to follow after that. Can he end it well? |
| 4.6 : K Roach to G Naib, Yes, he can! A good comeback by the bowler, on a length around off, kept out. |
| 5.1 : J Holder to M Shahzad, FOUR! What a swag! On middle and leg, Shahzad whips it through mid-wicket and gets a boundary! Moves to 20 from just 16 balls with his fourth boundary. |
| 5.2 : J Holder to M Shahzad, On middle and off, worked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 5.3 : J Holder to M Shahzad, A short ball around off, cuts back in sharply, Mohammad jumps to cut but is cramped for room and somehow pushes it to the off side. |
| 5.4 : J Holder to M Shahzad, The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery. |
| 5.5 : J Holder to M Shahzad, Another short ball outside off, MS looks to pull but is beaten comprehensively. |
| 5.6 : J Holder to M Shahzad, The batsman has stood up on his toes to play that one. |
| 6.1 : K Roach to G Naib, FOUR! That is some shot. A short ball around off, Naib initially ducks but in that position, suddenly unfurls a pull-chop shot through mid-wicket for a boundary! Moves to 10 from 16 balls with his second boundary. |
| 6.2 : K Roach to G Naib, A short ball outside off, pushed to the off side. |
| 6.3 : K Roach to G Naib, A length ball outside off, placed towards cover. |
| 6.4 : K Roach to G Naib, Around off, defended back to the bowler. |
| 6.5 : K Roach to G Naib, Nicely bowled. Lands this outside off, on a length and then makes it to cut back in appreciably. Gulbadin misses his flick and is hit on the thigh pads. |
| 6.6 : K Roach to G Naib, Another one cutting in off the seam, GN works it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 7.1 : J Holder to M Shahzad, FOUR! Oh my my! The helicopter shot in a different fashion! Well, not quite sure what Shahzad tried there. Definitely looked like impressing the cameraman rather than his style. Full and around off, Shahzad whips it over mid-wicket. That is fine, but then, after playing the shot, he lifts his right leg in the air! Don't know why. Anyways, that is called swagger. 169 more needed from 257 balls. |
| 7.2 : J Holder to M Shahzad, SIX! PLUNDERED! A typical fast bowler's response. A short ball outside off. The error is that it is on the wider side and Shahzad pounces. Crashes it over the point fence. Moves to 30 from 23 balls. 5 fours and a six. Wow. |
| 7.3 : J Holder to M Shahzad, WIDE. A slower bouncer, down the leg side, Mohammad looks to pull but misses. The Windies' keeper appeals but to no avail. |
| J Holder to M Shahzad, On middle and leg, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 7.4 : J Holder to M Shahzad, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 7.5 : J Holder to M Shahzad, Full and outside off, punched straight to cover. |
| 7.6 : J Holder to M Shahzad, Another flick, straight to short mid-wicket. 11 from the over but you can also look at it as 11 from the first 2 legal balls and then nothing from the rest. |
| Carlos Brathwaite comes on to bowl now. |
| 8.1 : C Brathwaite to G Naib, FOUR! Lucky boundary. Things going the Afghans' way. A short ball outside off, Naib throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge. The ball lands in front of first slip where Chris Gayle is a bit lazy to bend and the ball goes through to the third man fence. 158 more needed from 251 balls now. |
| 8.2 : C Brathwaite to G Naib, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off. |
| 8.3 : C Brathwaite to G Naib, Close! On a length outside off, coming back in sharply, Gulbadin misses his flick and is hit on the pads. Brathwaite appeals, the umpire thinks about it but does not raise his finger. A leg bye stolen. |
| 8.4 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 8.5 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, SIX! Terrific shot! Full and around off, Shahzad deposits this miles over long on! Moves to 36 from 29 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes. |
| 8.6 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, FOUR! More runs! Full and straight, Shahzad just flicks it through mid-wicket and ends the over with a boundary! 15 from the over, 26 off the last 2! Shahzad moves to 40 from 30 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes. 147 more needed from 246 balls. |
| Keemo Paul to bowl the final over of Powerplay 1. |
| 9.1 : K Paul to G Naib, Short and outside off, Naib slashes but misses. |
| 9.2 : K Paul to G Naib, Outside off, played straight to point. |
| 9.3 : K Paul to G Naib, A bouncer, pretty sharp, Gulbadin gets his head out of harm's way at the last moment. |
| 9.4 : K Paul to G Naib, OUT! A wicket for the Windies and Paul is pumped up. At least this match means something to someone from this side. A short ball outside off, moving away, generating extra bounce, Naib plays it away from his body and only ends up guiding it straight to Chris Gayle at first slip. A bit of a fumble but taken in the second attempt. End of a fiery opening stand. Has it done enough damage? 147 needed from 242 balls. |
| Rahmat Shah walks in at number 3, replacing Naib. |
| 9.5 : K Paul to R Shah, On middle and off, worked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 9.6 : K Paul to R Shah, Another good bouncer, Rahmat looks to hook but is hurried in by the ball. He miscues it but luckily for him, the top edge eludes the man running back from square leg. A single taken. 59/1 in Powerplay 1, Afghanistan seem to be keen on taking the flight which will leave at 5 pm local time. It is currently 2 pm. |
| Powerplay 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the 40th over. |
| 10.1 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, Outside off, left alone. |
| 10.2 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, This one is played straight to point. |
| 10.3 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 10.4 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, Pushes this through the covers and gets a single. |
| 10.5 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, FOUR! Magnificent batting! Unbelievable actually. A short ball around off, coming in sharply and cramping the batsman for room. All good from the bowler. But what does the batter do? Outsmart the bowler. Arches back, attempts the upper cut but instead if ramping it over first slip towards third man, he ramps it over the keeper to fine leg instead! How did he play that? Mohammad Shahzad and his moves...that rehearsal with Gayle before the innings certainly has hel |
| 10.6 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Outside off, punched towards cover. |
| 11.1 : K Paul to R Shah, On middle and leg, flicked straight to square leg. |
| 11.2 : K Paul to R Shah, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 11.3 : K Paul to R Shah, Banged in short, on middle, Rahmat swivels and pulls it past short fine leg for a single. |
| 11.4 : K Paul to M Shahzad, Flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. 139 more needed from 230 balls. |
| 11.5 : K Paul to R Shah, Outside off, a play and a miss. |
| 11.6 : K Paul to R Shah, Excellent yorker, on off, pushed to the off side. |
| 12.1 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Around off, pushed towards cover. |
| 12.2 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Played to the point region by the batsman. |
| 12.3 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Wow. On a length outside off, Mohammad jumps, hops and somehow skews it to cover. |
| 12.4 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Short and outside off, MS looks to slap it but mistimes it to point. |
| 12.5 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, On middle and leg, clipped towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 12.6 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, A short ball, pulled away for a couple through mid-wicket. The stand moves to 11 from 20 balls. |
| 13.1 : K Paul to M Shahzad, Around off, defended from the crease. |
| 13.2 : K Paul to M Shahzad, Outside off, coming in, Shahzad hops and defends. |
| 13.3 : K Paul to M Shahzad, Oh dear... jumps down the track this time, swings wildly to a length ball and misses. |
| 13.4 : K Paul to M Shahzad, Oh dear dear... now he backs away, is far away from the ball, slashes hard and only manages to toe-end it to third man. Runs backward, as if rewinding a video and eventually turns when the throw comes at the non-striker's end. A single. |
| 13.5 : K Paul to R Shah, Outside off, punched straight to cover. |
| 13.6 : K Paul to R Shah, Pushes this to mid on. |
| 14.1 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Outside off, Shahzad punches this through the covers and gets a single. He wants the second but is sent back. Good decision, as Jason Holder, who is chasing the ball, scores a direct hit at the strike's end. Shahzad would have been a goner had he attempted the second run. |
| 14.2 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, On middle and leg, flicked straight to mid-wicket. |
| 14.3 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, Outside off, punched straight to mid off. |
| 14.4 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, FOUR! Lovely shot. A short ball outside off, not too much width, Rahmat leaps with the extra bounce and just maneuvers it through mid-wicket for a boundary! Brathwaite cannot believe it. |
| 14.5 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, Another short ball, pulled behind square leg for a run. Moves to 10 from 18 balls. 129 more needed from 211 balls. |
| 14.6 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Great shot. A short ball outside off, Mohammad arches back and ramps it over the first slip fielder for a run. |
| 15.1 : K Paul to M Shahzad, Half century for Shahzad! In 45 balls. He is enjoying himself. A short ball, on middle, Shahzad swivels and pulls it all along the ground to fine leg for a single. He then gives a pose to the dressing room, signalling how much this means to him. Captain Asghar Stanikzai stands up and applauds. |
| 15.2 : K Paul to R Shah, Wide outside off, left alone. |
| 15.3 : K Paul to R Shah, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. |
| 15.4 : K Paul to R Shah, On a length around off, Rahmat looks to flick but gets a leading edge to mid off. |
| 15.5 : K Paul to R Shah, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 15.6 : K Paul to R Shah, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. |
| Kemar Roach is back on. |
| 16.1 : K Roach to R Shah, Around off, defended solidly. |
| 16.2 : K Roach to R Shah, Good shot. On a length outside off, Rahmat gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the covers. Does not have enough on it to clear the ropes and it is just stopped near the boundary. Three runs taken. |
| 16.3 : K Roach to M Shahzad, FOUR! PUMMELED! No one moves. Neither do Shahzad's feet, nor does any fielder. Full and outside off, a touch wide, Shahzad reaches out and blasts it between cover and mid off for a boundary. 119 more needed from 201 balls. |
| 16.4 : K Roach to M Shahzad, Pushes this through mid on for a single. |
| 16.5 : K Roach to R Shah, A short ball now, pulled through fine leg for a run. The stand is now worth 30 from 43 balls. |
| 16.6 : K Roach to M Shahzad, On middle and leg, helped through square leg for one. 10 from that over, Roach has figures of 5-0-24-0. |
| Ashley Nurse to bowl the first over of spin now. |
| 17.1 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Around middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 17.2 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Outside off, played straight to point. |
| 17.3 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Fuller in length, defended solidly. |
| 17.4 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Full and outside off, Shahzad looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. There is a mild LBW appeal but the impact is outside off. |
| 17.5 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, The batsman fails to put bat on ball. |
| 17.6 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 18.1 : K Paul to R Shah, Full and outside off, driven back to the bowler. |
| 0.0 : Change of ends for Keemo Paul. |
| 18.2 : K Paul to R Shah, The batsman drives this through the covers. Three runs added to the total. |
| 18.3 : K Paul to M Shahzad, WIDE. Down the leg side, Shahzad misses his flick. |
| K Paul to M Shahzad, The batsman gets up on his toes to play that one. |
| 18.4 : K Paul to M Shahzad, On middle and leg, flicked towards fine leg for a run. |
| 18.5 : K Paul to R Shah, The batsman has played it to the point region. |
| 18.6 : K Paul to R Shah, The batsman plays the pull shot. They pick up a single. |
| 19.1 : A Nurse to R Shah, Short and outside off, Rahmat looks to cut but gets a bottom edge to the off side. |
| 19.2 : A Nurse to R Shah, Comes down the track and looks to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. There is a mild LBW appeal but nothing in it. Too far down the track. |
| 19.3 : A Nurse to R Shah, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot for a single. |
| 19.4 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Full and around off, Mohammad looks to play the reverse sweep but misses. Nurse puts in an LBW appeal but the umpire stays put. Meanwhile, Shahzad is alert to the fact that the ball is rolling back onto the stumps and stops it. Replays indicate bottom edge. |
| 19.5 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 19.6 : A Nurse to R Shah, The batsman has driven it through mid on. One run added to the total. The stand is now worth 40 from 62 balls. |
| 20.1 : K Paul to R Shah, Nicely done. Full and outside off, Rahmat opens the face of his bat and guides it to third man for a single. |
| 20.2 : K Paul to M Shahzad, Full and outside off, Shahzad chips this over mid off and gets a couple. |
| 20.3 : K Paul to M Shahzad, Oh dear... a short ball around off, Mohammad ducks, then brings out his pull while ducking and somehow plays it through square leg for a run. |
| 20.4 : K Paul to R Shah, Around off, solidly defended. |
| 20.5 : K Paul to R Shah, The short of length delivery has been cut away through square on the off side. They pick up a single. |
| 20.6 : K Paul to M Shahzad, Another short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 21.1 : A Nurse to R Shah, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. |
| 21.2 : A Nurse to R Shah, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. |
| 21.3 : A Nurse to R Shah, On middle and leg, helped fine for a run. |
| 21.4 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 21.5 : A Nurse to R Shah, WIDE. That brings up the 50-run stand. Calm and composed, without any trouble, in 72 balls. Down the leg side, Rahmat misses his flick. |
| A Nurse to R Shah, The batsman appears to have been struck on the thigh pad. |
| 21.6 : A Nurse to R Shah, FOUR! That will go all the way. Short and down the leg side, Rahmat helps it to the fine leg fence. |
| Jason Holder returns... |
| 22.1 : J Holder to M Shahzad, Full on middle, pushed through mid on for a single. |
| 22.2 : J Holder to R Shah, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 22.3 : J Holder to R Shah, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. |
| 22.4 : J Holder to R Shah, On middle and leg, flicked towards the leg side. |
| 22.5 : J Holder to R Shah, FOUR! He will take those. A short ball, on middle, Rahmat looks to pull but gets a top edge over the keeper to the fine leg fence. 88 more needed from 163 balls. |
| Mid on drops back to long on. Jason Mohammed is the fielder, as a substitute for Marlon Samuels, who limped off the field at some point of time. |
| 22.6 : J Holder to R Shah, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 23.1 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. |
| 23.2 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Comes down the track and pushes it straight to Chris Gayle who is standing just beside the non-striker. |
| 23.3 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Now he goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a single. The stand moves to 60 from 83 balls. |
| 23.4 : A Nurse to R Shah, A touch short outside off, punched straight to cover. |
| 23.5 : A Nurse to R Shah, LBW shout, but struck outside the line of off. Full and outside off, Rahmat lunged forward and looked to flick but missed and was hit on the pads. |
| 23.6 : A Nurse to R Shah, Dropped short, Shah looked to cut but got a bottom edge. |
| 24.1 : J Holder to M Shahzad, A length ball outside off, extra bounce, Shahzad hops and fends it to the off side. |
| 24.2 : J Holder to M Shahzad, TOP EDGE, FOUR! Well, it is just his day. Once I had heard a stand-up comedian describe how to dance - he had indicated a step which shows how to change a bulb. This shot from Shahzad, well is a swat-the-fly shot. Backs away to the leg side, Holder follows him, Shahzad attempts the STF shot but gets a top edge which goes over the keeper to the fine leg fence. Moves to 71 from 68 balls with his 10th four. |
| 24.3 : J Holder to M Shahzad, There comes the yorker, on middle, but it is safely dug out to the off side. |
| 24.4 : J Holder to M Shahzad, FOUR! More STF stuff. A short ball again, Shahzad backs away to the leg side and swats it over point for the second boundary of the over! 79 more needed from 152 balls. |
| 24.5 : J Holder to M Shahzad, A length ball on middle, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 24.6 : J Holder to R Shah, WIDE. A bouncer, too high, Shah ducks and it is wided. The stand is now worth 70 from 91 balls. |
| J Holder to R Shah, A half volley on the pads, flicked through mid-wicket where the man inside the circle dives to his left and takes some pace off it. Two runs taken. 12 from the over, Holder's figures read 6-0-45-0. |
| 25.1 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Full and outside off, Shahzad dead-bats it. |
| 25.2 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Comes down the track and works it past Chris Gayle at silly mid on for a single. |
| 25.3 : A Nurse to R Shah, Full on middle, flicked straight to mid-wicket for an easy run. |
| 25.4 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Thrown up wide outside off, flayed through the covers for a run. |
| 25.6 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, No run. |
| 25.4 : Carlos Brathwaite is back on. |
| 25.5 : A Nurse to R Shah, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| 25.6 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Full and outside off, Shahzad looks to sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. The bowler puts in an appeal but there was bat involved. |
| 26.1 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, Outside off, punched towards cover for a single. |
| 26.2 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Full and outside off, Shahzad pushes but misses. |
| 26.3 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Short and outside off, slapped away straight to point. |
| 26.4 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Another short ball, pulled to long on for a single. |
| 26.5 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, Around off, worked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 26.6 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, Outside off, pushed towards mid on. |
| 27.1 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, FOUR! SLAM! Full and around off, Shahzad gets down and across and heaves this over mid-wicket for a boundary. Shahzad moves to 82 from 79 balls with 11 fours and 2 sixes while the stand is worth 82 as well, from 105 balls. |
| 27.2 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Full and around off, pushed to the off side. |
| 27.3 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 27.4 : A Nurse to R Shah, On middle and off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 27.5 : A Nurse to R Shah, A tad short, punched back to Nurse again. |
| 27.6 : A Nurse to R Shah, Uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and hits it straight to Chris Gayle at silly mid on. |
| 28.1 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, A short ball around off, Shahzad attempts another one of his cheeky ramps but misses for once. |
| 28.2 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, This time he comes forward and pushes it towards cover. |
| 28.3 : C Brathwaite to M Shahzad, Backs away to he leg side and opens the face of his bat to guide the ball to third man for a single. |
| 28.4 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 28.5 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, FOUR! Too easy. A short ball on middle, Rahmat swivels and pulls it all along the ground through square leg for a boundary. Moves to 41 from 61 balls with his fourth boundary. 59 more needed to win from 127 balls. |
| 28.6 : C Brathwaite to R Shah, WIDE. A bouncer from around the wicket, Shah ducks but doesn't have to. That sails over 6 centimetres from where he was standing. |
| C Brathwaite to R Shah, Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 29.1 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 29.2 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Similar ball, similar shot, same result. |
| 29.3 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Delivers this with a little bit of pause, full on middle, flicked to short mid-wicket. |
| 29.4 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Full and outside off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 29.5 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 29.6 : A Nurse to M Shahzad, Comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and unfurls a helicopter flick, straight to short mid-wicket again. A MAIDEN over. Second for Nurse. His figures read 7-2-20-0. |
| Ah...okay. Chris Gayle to have some bowling practice. |
| 30.1 : C Gayle to R Shah, A short ball outside off, placed behind point for a single. The stand is worth 90 from 122 balls. |
| 30.2 : C Gayle to M Shahzad, Gets well across his stumps and plays this from middle stump towards square leg. |
| 30.3 : C Gayle to M Shahzad, Around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 30.4 : C Gayle to M Shahzad, OUT! No century for Shahzad. Off all the ridiculous shots that he has played in this innings, he gets out in a soft, soft manner. Tossed up outside off, Shahzad comes down the track and looks to go over mid off. But not with total conviction., Ends up chipping it in the air and Jason Holder at mid off makes no mistake. End of a fine, fine knock, just 16 short of a ton. The 90-run stand should seal the deal for the Afghans. Just 57 more needed from 116 balls. |
| Samiullah Shinwari walks in at number 4, replacing Shahzad. |
| 30.5 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 30.6 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Driven through mid on by the batsman for a single to get off the mark. 2 runs and a wicket from Gayle's over. |
| 31.1 : A Nurse to S Shenwari, On middle, pushed to mid on for a quick single. |
| 31.2 : A Nurse to R Shah, Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. |
| 31.3 : A Nurse to R Shah, Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a run. |
| 31.4 : A Nurse to S Shenwari, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. |
| 31.5 : A Nurse to R Shah, Works it through square leg for one. |
| 31.6 : A Nurse to S Shenwari, Full and outside off, Shenwari paddles it straight to short fine leg. |
| 32.1 : C Gayle to R Shah, Full and outside off, Rahmat comes down the track and drives it towards mid off. |
| 32.2 : C Gayle to R Shah, On middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 32.3 : C Gayle to R Shah, Goes back again and punches it to long on for a single. |
| 32.4 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, In the air... but over the man at 45. Full and around off, Shenwari looks for the paddle but gets a top edge, which clears Keemo Paul at short fine leg. Two runs result. 49 more needed from 104 balls. |
| 32.5 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, On middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 32.6 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, WIDE. Down the leg side, Samiullah misses his paddle and the keeper fumbles. A bye taken to short fine leg. |
| C Gayle to R Shah, On middle, pushed down to long on for one. |
| DRINKS BREAK. 17 overs left, 46 runs needed. Can the Windies enforce a collapse? Hard to see that happening. |
| 33.1 : A Nurse to R Shah, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 33.2 : A Nurse to S Shenwari, Full and outside off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 33.3 : A Nurse to S Shenwari, Down the leg side, tucked fine for a couple. |
| 33.4 : A Nurse to S Shenwari, Full and outside off, solidly defended. |
| 33.5 : A Nurse to S Shenwari, Full again, pushed through the covers for a single. |
| 33.6 : A Nurse to R Shah, Gets across his stumps and works it through square leg for a run. |
| 34.1 : C Gayle to R Shah, Full and outside off, flicked behind square leg for a single. |
| 34.2 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Around off, tucked to the leg side. |
| 34.3 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, He just loves those paddle sweeps. Gets well across his stumps, reaches out and hits it to short fine leg. |
| 34.4 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Now he goes back and gently taps it in front of square leg for a run. 39 more needed from 92 balls now. |
| 34.5 : C Gayle to R Shah, 50 FOR RAHMAT SHAH! His 11th in ODIs. Has been the epitome of consistency for Afghanistan. Someone around whom one can build a batting line-up. Comes down the track and eases this to long on for a single. |
| 34.6 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 35.1 : A Nurse to R Shah, On middle, punched down to long on for a single. |
| 35.2 : A Nurse to S Shenwari, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. |
| 35.3 : A Nurse to S Shenwari, LBW SHOUT, CATCH SHOUT, nothing for the Windies. Full and outside off, Shenwari gets across to flick but misses. The ball goes off his pads to Gayle at first slip, but on the bounce. Impact was outside the line. |
| 35.4 : A Nurse to S Shenwari, On middle, punched down to long on for a run. |
| 35.5 : A Nurse to R Shah, Full on middle and off, Shah looks to sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 35.6 : A Nurse to R Shah, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. That is the end of Nurse and he has done really well - 10-2-31-0. |
| 36.1 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 36.2 : C Gayle to R Shah, OUT! 'Hee hee hee hee hee hee!' Someone laughed - Gayle or the keeper. Either ways. Second wicket for Gayle and he does his own celebrations. Stands there, shows some swagger, looks up at the heavens and then breaks into a jig. Tossed up outside off, Rahmat comes down the track and looks to flick but misses the ball and Shai Hope whips off the bails. Rahmat will be disappointed not to see his team home. Glimmer of hope for the Windies? They will certainly hope so. Becaus |
| Mohammad Nabi walks in at number 5, one would assume to finish things off. |
| 36.3 : C Gayle to M Nabi, On middle, pushed down to long on for a run. |
| 36.4 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 36.5 : C Gayle to M Nabi, Another push down the ground to long on for a run. |
| 36.6 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total. |
| Keemo Paul is back on. |
| 37.1 : K Paul to S Shenwari, On a length outside off, punched towards point. |
| 37.2 : K Paul to S Shenwari, A short ball down the leg side, Shenwari initially looks to tuck it through the leg side but then decides to shoulder arms. There is an appeal for a catch but the umpire shakes his head. Wonder why wasn't it called a wide then. |
| 37.3 : K Paul to S Shenwari, A bouncer now, darting at the batsman's head, Samiullah does extremely well to duck out of harm's way. |
| 37.4 : K Paul to S Shenwari, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. They pick up a single. |
| 37.5 : K Paul to M Nabi, On middle and off, helped through square leg for a comfortable couple. 28 more needed from 73 balls. |
| 37.6 : K Paul to M Nabi, The batsman guides it to third man. They pick up a single. |
| 38.1 : C Gayle to M Nabi, Around off, Nabi goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a well-judged couple. The stand is worth 10 from 11 balls. |
| 38.2 : C Gayle to M Nabi, Full on middle, played straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 38.3 : C Gayle to M Nabi, Pushes this to long on for a single. |
| 38.4 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Full on middle, Shenwari just offers a dead bat and plays it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 38.5 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Full on middle and leg, SS looks to paddle but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 38.6 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Full on middle, worked straight to square leg. |
| 39.1 : K Paul to M Nabi, A short ball outside off, Nabi punches it back to the bowler. |
| 39.2 : K Paul to M Nabi, Another short ball, pulled to fine leg for a single. |
| 39.3 : K Paul to S Shenwari, Outside off, left alone. |
| 39.4 : K Paul to S Shenwari, FOUR! GORGEOUS! That will shorten the path to victory a little bit. Full and outside off, Shenwari reaches out and drives it wide of mid off for a boundary. 19 more needed now, from 62 balls. |
| 39.5 : K Paul to S Shenwari, Outside off, pretty wide, coming back in, Samiullah watches it go back. |
| 39.6 : K Paul to S Shenwari, Tucks it through square leg for a single. |
| We do have a Powerplay 3 then. 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. |
| 40.1 : C Gayle to S Shenwari, Full and around off, Shenwari gets down and slog sweeps it towards deep backward square leg for a single. Moves to 20 from 33 balls. |
| 40.2 : C Gayle to M Nabi, SIX! SLAP! Some swagger. Stands well outside his leg stump a month in advance and Gayle tosses this in line of the middle stick. Nabi likes it and swings it into oblivion over long on. The stand moves to 24 from 24 balls. Nabi moves to 15 from 10 balls with his first six. |
| 40.3 : C Gayle to M Nabi, SIX! There he goes again! This time Nabi comes down the track and swings it over long on once more! 200 UP FOR AFGHANISTAN, just 5 more needed from 57 balls. The stand moves to 30 from 25 balls. Nabi moves to 21 from 11 balls with 2 biggies. |
| 40.4 : C Gayle to M Nabi, SIX! Hat-trick! That ends the game and the tournament. Full and outside off, Nabi now goes off side, lofting this one clean as a whistle over long off to seal the deal. VICTORY FOR AFGHANISTAN WITH 7 WICKETS AND 56 BALLS TO SPARE! |
| Three meetings, three wins. Those have been the contest results for Afghanistan against the Windies in this tournament. First the warm-up. Then the Super Six. And today, the final. An amazing comeback, from a point to being relegated out of the World Cup with three successive losses to bouncing back to win the Qualifiers. Take a bow. |
| Perhaps this match needed a bit of a context, didn't it? A dead rubber, that too, a final, is never good. The Windies never turned up but Afghanistan wanted to make a statement and they did. First they bowled and fielded their hearts out to restrict the Windies to 204. Then they chased it down with around 10 overs to spare, slightly lesser rather, but dominantly enough. |
| Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the star with the ball for the Afghans, taking 4 wickets while with the bat, it was a one-man show as Mohammad Shahzad demolished the Windies. Had he waited for some more time, we might have had the result before the 40th over. Rahmat Shah was calm and the 90-run stand for the second wicket quelled all doubts of an Afghan win. |
| Nothing was right for the Windies today. Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell showed some grit with the bat while Keemo Paul and Ashley Nurse delayed the inevitable a bit with the ball. Otherwise, it was an outing for the Windies where they perhaps ended up going to a destination where they were not interested in going. The presentation coming up... |
| The umpires are given their match medallions. |
| MOHAMMAD SHAHZAD is the MAN OF THE FINAL. Flashes a big smile. Says that his form came at the right time with his team needing him the most. Is proud of the way his team qualified for the final, the World Cup and then won today. Is proud of the bowling attack his side possesses. On his batting pyrotechnics, he says that he always enjoys his batting. Stresses that his job is to see the ball and hit the ball so that people watching can enjoy. On his camaraderie with Chris Gayle, he says that he lo |
| SIKANDAR RAZA from Zimbabwe is the PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT for his consistent performances with both bat and ball. 319 runs with the willow and 15 wickets with the ball. Cannot control his emotions and says that he is certainly not happy with the award as Zimbabwe failed to qualify. States that it is a tough pill to swallow and the trophy will be a reminder to his team about the narrow margin of failure. Has a word of praise for Scotland for their fight while congratulates Nepal on their ODI st |
| The Windies now line up to collect their runners-up medals. |
| Windies skipper, Jason Holder congratulates Afghanistan for their win and performance throughout the tournament, especially from where they were initially. Is proud of his own team for being so consistent throughout with someone or the other putting his hand up in every game. Hopes that they continue to play the same brand of cricket in future. Praises his side for giving its 100 percent in spite of carrying niggles. Says that he is disappointed for not winning the final but is proud of his team |
| Now for the winning team, that is Afghanistan. Can you believe it - three games into the tournament, they were looking like going out of the tournament. They had to rely on other results but also had to do their part, win their games which they did and today, are rightly receiving the winning medallions. |
| Victorious Afghanistan skipper, Asghar Stanikzai thanks the almighty for the win. States that today they are very happy because they have qualified for the World Cup and also won the final. Adds that beating the Windies, that too, three times in a tournament is a big thing for his team. On the initial performance of his side in the tournament, Asghar admits that he did feel like the World Cup dream was over but then he thought about millions of fans back home and fought hard to play in the fourt |
| Afghanistan are handed the Cup and boy, are they jumping up and down in joy! They thoroughly deserve this win and without doubt, will be celebrating tonight. Their next fixture as of now if their maiden Test match against India in June in Bengaluru. The Windies, on the other hand, get set to travel to Pakistan to play a 3-T20I series not too far from now, on April Fool's day. We take your leave for now but you can catch whatever action is remaining from the NZ-Eng and SA-Aus Tests. ADIOS! TAKE C |
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