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.
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.
