West Indies win ODI series against Afghanistan

West Indies won their first One-Day International Series (ODI) in five years after beating minnows Afghanistan by five wickets (8 balls left) in the final of their one-day international at Ekana Cricket Stadium in India.

West Indies won the three-match series.

Afghanistan, which was sent in to bat by Captain Kieron Pollard, who is leading the team for the first time, scored 249 /7 after a poor start, losing three wickets for 23 runs.

West Indies scored 253 for five. Shai Hope, who was named Man-of-the-Match scored 109 not out. Fast bowler Kemo Paul took 3 wickets for 44 runs.

In the second match Afghanistan batters struggled against West Indies pace and spin and were bowled out for 200 with four overs to spare in the second match at Lucknow, India.

Off-spinner Roston Chase (3-30) helped mop up the top order before fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell (3-29) ran through the lower middle –order and the tail.

Afghanistan lost their last five wickets for 23 runs

The defeat stretched Afghanistan ‘s losing streak in ODIs to 12 matches in a row.

West Indies was reduced to 182- 6 after openers Shai Hope (43) and Evin Lewis (54) put on 98 runs, but it was Nicholas Pooran who rescued the team with a knock off 67 off 50 balls to help West Indies reach 247/9.

West Indies’ Shai Hope bats during the Cricket World Cup match between Afghanistan and West Indies at Headingley in Leeds, England.
Associated Press / Rui Vieira, file