WI beat AFG by 30 runs | Afghanistan vs West Indies, Highlights And Cricket Score 1st T20I Match - Commentary
Afghanistan and West Indies in India, 3 T20I Series, 2019
Date: Nov 14, 2019 Start Time: 19:00 IST | 13:30 GMT | 19:00 LocalVenue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Afghanistan vs West Indies Highlights And Cricket Score 1st Match - T20I Commentary
The only question that now remains is do Afghanistan have the batting prowess to chase this total down? Or will the West Indies register their first T20I win after 6 defeats? Join us soon to find out!
Gulbadin Naib is down for a chat with Hamid Hassan. On being asked about his playing as not being captain, Naib smiles and says that when one is playing for his country, it does not matter whether he is a captain or not. On dew being present, Gulbadin says that it is not easy to bowl to these kind of batsmen but he believed in himelf and focussed only on bowling the right line and length. On being asked whether Afghanistan can win, now Naib says that there is dew present and does not feel 165 is a big total to chase down.
As for the Afghanistan bowlers, Mujeeb, Nabi and Gulbadin Naib were the standout ones. They kept the run-flow under check and chipped in with some wickets as well. Naveen-ul-Haq was smashed all around the park and will not be happy with his performance.
The innings started well for the Afghans as they managed to get debutant Brandon King out in the first over itself. However, after that, the Evin Lewis show started. He hit the Afghan bowlers all over the park and formed a brilliant 87-run stand with Shimron Hetmyer. Hetmyer supported Lewis before getting dismissed and that proved to be the turning point of the innings. With around 10 overs left to play, West Indies had 92 runs on the board but then the collapse started as they fell to 140/5. The Afghans bowled well to claw back and restrict the run-flow. However, Pollard provided some much needed impetus in the end to push the score to 164 runs.
So, West Indies finish at 164 but they will surely be disappointed going into the dugout. The Afghanistan players will be having mixed emotions as well but will be happier of the two sides.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Kieron Pollard. FOUR! Nice way to end the innings. Full delivery outside off, Pollard drives it through mid off where the fielder dives to stop it but it goes through him for a boundary. 14 runs have come from the over. WEST INDIES FINISH WITH 164/5!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Kieron Pollard. SIX! That is huge! Short of a length delivery, Pollard pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Kieron Pollard. Full toss on middle, Pollard flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep misfields and concedes two runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Fabian Allen. Length delivery outside off, Allen slaps it towards covers and takes a single.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Kieron Pollard. Bowls a slower ball, Pollard pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get a single. There is still some chat going on between Naveen and Pollard. The umpire does not feel like intervening though.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Kieron Pollard. Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Pollard looks to pull but misses it.
Mind games! Naveen comes running in but Kieron Pollard calmly walks down the track, stops the bowler and just brushes off the dust! Naveen runs all the way to the batsman and has some words which only Pollard can hear. What is coming next?
Gulbadin Naib to Fabian Allen. Length delivery on middle, Allen lofts it over mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Gulbadin Naib to Kieron Pollard. Full delivery outside off, Pollard drives it through mid off. The batsmen take a run.
Gulbadin Naib to Kieron Pollard. On a length on middle, Pollard drives it through mid-wicket again. Another brace.
Gulbadin Naib to Kieron Pollard. Length delivery on middle, Pollard lofts it over mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Gulbadin Naib to Fabian Allen. Length delivery outside off, Allen looks to go over covers but gets a top edge on this one. It goes towards third man. The batsmen take a run.
Gulbadin Naib to Fabian Allen. On a good length and outside off, bowls slower, Allen looks to play a lofted shot but misses it.
Gulbadin Naib is back on. 3-0-16-2 are his figures so far.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Fabian Allen. Short of a length delivery, Allen pulls it over mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single.
Oh hello? What is going on? What is going on? The crowd realizes and gets excited as well. Naveen comes running in but from the corner of his eye, spots Pollard backing up too far. He then stops and gives a warning to KP to prevent Mankading! Sporting stuff.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Fabian Allen. Length delivery on off, Allen plays it to covers.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Fabian Allen. WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, Allen lets it go.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Fabian Allen. On a good length and outside off, Allen looks to cut but misses it.
Fabian Allen is the new man in.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Sherfane Rutherford. OUT! BOWLED! THAT STAYED LOW! Rutherford should consider himself a bit unlucky but Naveen will not care. On a good length around middle and leg, Rutherford comes down the track and looks to swing across the line. But the barely bounces and hits the bottom half of off stump.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Kieron Pollard. Short delivery again, Pollard pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Kieron Pollard. FOUR! Excellent shot. Short of a length delivery, Pollard pulls it hard through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Naveen-ul-Haq is back on. 2-0-18-0 are his figures so far.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. Pollard retains strike for the next over as he flicks this one off his pads towards mid-wicket for a single.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. Floated on middle and off, Pollard blocks this one out.
Rashid Khan to Sherfane Rutherford. Rutherford pushes this one towards the off side and takes a quick single.
Rashid Khan to Sherfane Rutherford. Floated on middle, Rutherford uppishly flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a couple.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. This time Pollard works this one towards the leg side for a single.
Rashid Khan to Sherfane Rutherford. Fuller one on the pads, Rutherford flicks this one towards square leg for one.
Gulbadin Naib to Kieron Pollard. Good length ball on middle and leg, Pollard flicks this one towards deep mid-wicket for a couple.
Gulbadin Naib to Kieron Pollard. Pollard plays this length ball towards deep point for a couple.
Gulbadin Naib to Sherfane Rutherford. Rutherford now flicks this one down towards fine leg for a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Sherfane Rutherford. FOUR! Shot of the evening by Rutherford! What a way to start off his innings. A full ball on off, Rutherford gets behind it and just drives this one through mid off for a boundary.
Sherfane Rutherford is the next batsman in.
Gulbadin Naib to Denesh Ramdin. OUT! TIMBER! You miss, I hit! Naib bowls a good length ball on middle and off, Ramdin looks to go big. He tries to heave this one towards mid-wicket but fails to connect with it at all. The ball crashes into the stumps and Ramdin has to walk back.
Gulbadin Naib to Denesh Ramdin. Full ball on off, Ramdin looks to heave but gets an inside edge on it. The ball goes to the keeper on a bounce.
Rashid Khan to Denesh Ramdin. Ramdin pushes this one towards cover for a single.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. Shortish and outside off, Pollard guides this one down to third man for one.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Rashid Khan to Denesh Ramdin. Ramdin pushes this one towards long on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Denesh Ramdin. SIX! First maximum for Ramdin! Floated on middle and off, Ramdin gets down on one knee and slog sweeps this one over mid-wicket for a biggie.
Rashid Khan to Denesh Ramdin. BEATEN! Peach of a delivery! Floats one just outside off, the ball pitches and turns away. Ramdin looks to defend but the ball whizzes past his outside edge.
Rashid Khan is back on. 2-0-19-1 are his figures so far.
Gulbadin Naib to Denesh Ramdin. Another one wide outside off, this time Ramdin gets a single as he pushes this wide of the man at point.
Gulbadin Naib to Denesh Ramdin. Ramdin cuts this one towards the man at point. No runs on offer.
Gulbadin Naib to Kieron Pollard. On the pads of Pollard, this time he flicks it away towards mid-wicket for a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Kieron Pollard. Good length ball, angling in. Pollard looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.
Gulbadin Naib to Denesh Ramdin. NOT OUT! Short of a length ball outside off, Ramdin cuts this one but straight to the man at point. Hazratullah Zazai there fumbles which allows the batters an opportunity for a single. Pollard goes for the run and Zazai goes for the throw at the striker's end. Zazai hits but Pollard is well in. The appeal is referred upstairs and the third umpire takes a while but eventually presses the NOT OUT button.
Run out appeal! Looks safe but we have to wait!
Gulbadin Naib to Denesh Ramdin. Shortish on middle and off, Ramdin pulls this one towards mid-wicket for a couple.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Kieron Pollard. Floated delivery on off, Pollard defends it out.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Denesh Ramdin. Defended off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Kieron Pollard. Loopy delivery on leg, Pollard looks to flick but gets it off the pads. There was an appeal from the bowler for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen take a single. The umpire gives it as a leg bye.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Denesh Ramdin. Floated delivery on middle, Ramdin flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Kieron Pollard. Tossed up delivery on off, Pollard drives it towards point for a single.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Denesh Ramdin. Flighted delivery on middle, Ramdin drives it through mid on. The batsmen cross ends.
Mujeeb to bowl out. His figures so far are 3-0-23-1.
Gulbadin Naib to Denesh Ramdin. Short delivery on middle, Ramdin pulls it through square leg for a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Denesh Ramdin. On a good length on off, Ramdin defends it out.
Kieron Pollard, the West Indies skipper, walks out to bat. Can he provide the finish the Windies innings needs?
Gulbadin Naib to Evin Lewis. OUT! CAUGHT! Lewis departs after playing a brilliant innings. Length delivery on off, Lewis looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards Mohammad Nabi at long off who takes a comfortable catch in the deep. Afghanistan get a crucial breakthrough.
Gulbadin Naib to Evin Lewis. BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Lewis looks to play a lofted shot but misses it.
Gulbadin Naib to Evin Lewis. On a good length and outside off, bowls slower, Lewis looks to guide but misses it.
Gulbadin Naib to Denesh Ramdin. Short delivery on middle, Ramdin pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run. 100 up for West Indies.
Gulbadin Naib is into the attack.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Lewis looks to cut but misses it.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Denesh Ramdin. Length delivery on middle, Ramdin flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen cross ends.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. On a length on off, Lewis plays it towards covers and goes for the single. The fielder goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it and the batsman is safely in.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. Short of a length delivery, Lewis pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. Length delivery outside off, Lewis taps it through point. The batsmen pick up a couple.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Denesh Ramdin. On a length on off, Ramdin guides it towards third man for a run.
Rashid Khan to Denesh Ramdin. Ramdin pushes this one towards long on for a single. He is off the mark.
Denesh Ramdin is the new man in.
Rashid Khan to Shimron Hetmyer. OUT! CAUGHT! Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the keeper, takes the catch and the dangerous Hetmyer departs. Finally a tight over by Rashid bears fruit. Full and floated on leg, Hetmyer looks to heave it towards mid-wicket but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball goes up off it and goes towards the leg side. Gurbaz runs towards it and completes a simple catch. The dangerous 87-run stand is broken and Afghanistan will look to get back now.
Rashid Khan to Shimron Hetmyer. Floated on middle and leg, Hetmyer looks to work this one towards the leg side but is hit on the thigh pad.
Rashid Khan to Evin Lewis. Lewis makes room and awkwardly works this one towards the leg side for a single.
Rashid Khan to Evin Lewis. Shortish on middle and off, Lewis punches this one down the ground for a couple.
Rashid Khan to Evin Lewis. Loud appeal by Rashid turned down. The umpire says that it is hitting the bat. Darted on middle and off, it spins back in. Lewis looks to defend but fails to do so. Replays show that he is hit high on the pad.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. Short and wide outside off, Lewis cuts this one towards point for a single. A good end to the over but still 11 off it.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Shimron Hetmyer. Pushes this fuller ball towards cover for one.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Shimron Hetmyer. Shortish outside off, Hetmyer cuts this one towards deep point for a couple.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. Another short delivery by Naveen, Lewis pulls this one towards square leg for a single.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. SIX! Smashed this time! A similar ball bowled by Naveen and this time Lewis punishes him as he pulls this one over backward square leg for another maximum. His 6th of the game.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. Good ball to start off the spell by Naveen! A short of a length ball just outside leg, Lewis is caught in two minds whether to pull or not due to the lack of pace on it. In the end, Lewis leaves it alone.
Naveen-ul-Haq is into the attack.
Rashid Khan to Shimron Hetmyer. SIX! Slammed away! Shortish in length, this time Hetmyer rocks back and slams this over mid-wicket for a maximum. 15 runs off the over and West Indies cruising.
Rashid Khan to Shimron Hetmyer. Floated on middle and off, pushed back to the bowler.
Rashid Khan to Shimron Hetmyer. Floated on middle and off, Hetmyer works this one towards wide mid on for a couple.
Rashid Khan to Shimron Hetmyer. Good length ball on off, Hetmyer pushes this one towards sweeper cover and takes two.
Rashid Khan to Evin Lewis. Lewis works this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
Rashid Khan to Evin Lewis. FOUR! 50 up for Evin Lewis! What a knock and what a way to bring up his 50! Full on middle and leg, Lewis welcomes Rashid in style as he sweeps this one towards backward square leg for a boundary.
Rashid Khan is into the attack.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. Lewis pushes the last ball of the over towards cover for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Shimron Hetmyer. Down the leg side, Hetmyer looks to sweep but misses. The ball hits him on the pads and rolls towards fine leg for a leg bye.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. Lewis now calmly plays this one towards long off for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. SIX! There is no stopping Lewis here! Bad ball put away! Short and asking to be hit, Lewis rocks back and pulls this one over the square leg fence for a biggie. 50-run stand up between these two.
Mohammad Nabi to Shimron Hetmyer. Shortish outside off, cut towards deep point for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Shimron Hetmyer. Floated on the pads, Hetmyer looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Mohammad Nabi has a change of ends. 2-0-10-0 are his figures so far.
Fareed Ahmad to Evin Lewis. SIX! Sweetly timed this one! Short of a length ball again, this time Lewis connects well and lofts this one over the long off fence. A maximum to end the Powerplay. West Indies are 52/1.
Fareed Ahmad to Shimron Hetmyer. Hetmyer drives this one superbly towards cover but Gulbadin Naib there dives to his right and keeps it down to one.
Fareed Ahmad to Evin Lewis. Full on off, pushed towards mid off for a single. Sensible batting this.
Fareed Ahmad to Evin Lewis. EDGED AND SIX! Brute power! Short of a length ball on off, Lewis rocks back and looks to pull but gets a top edge on it. The ball goes high but also has the distance on it to clear the mid-wicket fence.
Fareed Ahmad to Shimron Hetmyer. Full on off, Hetmyer pushes it towards cover for a single.
Fareed Ahmad to Shimron Hetmyer. Overthrows! Poor fielding this! Hetmyer pushes this good length ball from within the crease towards mid on. The batters take a quick single while the fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end. The throw misses the stumps. The covering fielder does not collect the ball properly and another run results. Two runs taken.
Fareed Ahmad is into the attack now.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. FOUR! This is good batting from Lewis. Tossed up delivery outside off, Lewis cuts it hard through cover-point for a boundary. 16 runs have come from the over. Big over for West Indies.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. SIX! Amazing shot. Flighted delivery on middle, Lewis plays a slog sweep over mid-wicket for a biggie. It is the second maximum of the over.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Floated delivery on middle, Lewis flicks it to short fine leg.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Tossed up delivery on off, Evin looks to cut but gets an inside edge on this one. It goes towards the leg side.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Flighted delivery on middle, Lewis keeps it out.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. SIX! Poor delivery from Mujeeb. Short delivery on middle, Lewis pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Mohammad Nabi to Shimron Hetmyer. Shortish outside off, Hetmyer cuts but straight to the man at point.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. Lewis punches this one towards mid on and takes one.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. FOUR! Second of the over! This time it is on middle and off, Lewis dances down the track and lofts this one over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. FOUR! Swept away! Full and floated on off, Lewis gets down on one knee and slog sweeps it over square leg for a boundary.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. Shortish outside off, pushed towards cover-point by Lewis.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Lewis pushes this one off the back foot towards mid on for a single.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Floated on off, Lewis defends this one towards cover.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shimron Hetmyer. NOT OUT! Hetmyer would have been slightly worried at the start but he is in. Hetmyer pushes this one back past the bowler towards mid off. Rashid Khan there picks it up and has a shy at the non-striker's end where he hits. Hetmyer was jogging in and just about brings his bat in. It is referred upstairs as but replays confirm that Shimron can stay there for some more time.
A run out appeal! It is referred upstairs.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shimron Hetmyer. Mujeeb bowls one down the leg side, Hetmyer looks to sweep at this one. He misses his sweep and the ball hits his pads and rolls towards fine leg. The batters take two leg byes.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shimron Hetmyer. On off by Mujeeb, Hetmyer pushes it towards the man at point.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shimron Hetmyer. Flatter on off, defended towards cover by Hetmyer.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. Loopy delivery on middle, Lewis defends it off the back foot.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. Tossed up delivery on off, Lewis defends it out.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. Flighted delivery on off, Evin keeps it out.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. Floated delivery on off, Lewis defends it off the front foot.
Mohammad Nabi to Evin Lewis. Flighted delivery on middle, Lewis sweeps it towards square leg.
Mohammad Nabi to Shimron Hetmyer. Tossed up delivery on middle, Hetmyer plays it towards mid on for a run.
Who will it be from the other end? Mohammad Nabi it will be.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Floated on off, pushed towards cover. End of the first over and Afghanistan on top straightaway.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shimron Hetmyer. Pushed towards extra cover by Hetmyer. Rashid Khan there dives to his right and the batters take one.
Shimron Hetmyer is the new batsman in.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brandon King. OUT! TIMBER! The debutant, Brandon King departs! Shortish ball just outside off by Mujeeb, it comes in with the angle. Brandon again rocks back and looks to cut this one but misses. The ball crashes into the off pole and King walks back. What a start for the Afghans in the shorter format. Looking right at home!
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brandon King. FOUR! Uppish but wide of the fielder! Shortish and wide outside off, King rocks back and looks to drive this one towards cover but does so uppishly. The fielder from extra cover dives to his left but does not get to it. The ball races away for a boundary.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brandon King. Tossed up delivery on middle, King looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brandon King. Starts with a flighted delivery outside off, King looks to cut but misses it.
The Afghanistan players walk out onto the pitch and are taking their fielding positions. They are followed by the West Indies openers, Brandon King and Evin Lewis. Mujeeb Ur Rahman to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go!
Toss - Up goes the coin... heads is the call but tails it is. Afghanistan have won the toss and Rashid Khan has decided to bowl first.
Welcome to the first T20I between Afghanistan and West Indies which is taking place in Lucknow, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Both these teams will be coming into this series with contrasting feelings. West Indies will have a spring in their step as they comfortably outplayed Afghanistan at their adopted home in the ODI series. This time around, it was an unlikely scenario for the Caribbean Kings as their middle order was the one who stepped up. Roston Chase and Shai Hope were impressive but the T20 format is a completely different cup of tea which might turn the tide towards the Afghans. Rashid Khan will be confident that his team can step up in the shorter format and give the Windies a tough fight.
Right! That is all from the first Afg-WI T20I. A damp squib, I am afraid. There is not much time for a turnaround. Because the second and third T20Is will be played on successive days - Saturday and Sunday. Afghanistan really do not have enough time to even think what happened here. Good thing is that there is no travel to different venues. Join us on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 7 pm local (1330 GMT). ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Victorious West Indian skipper, Kieron Pollard, has been named the MAN OF THE MATCH. Feels that it is always good to contribute and even better when it comes in a winning cause. Praises Lewis and Hetmyer for setting up the platform. Then lauds the bowlers for restricting the score well. Admits that it was not the easiest pitches to bat on and hence the conditions dictated of taking one's time, running hard between the wickets and when the ball is not there for shot-making, maneuver the strike well and play smart cricket. On Allen's absence making them a bowler short, Pollard says that in T20 cricket, normally there are plenty of bowling options, so they were used to it. Praises Jason Holder and Sheldon Cottrell for bowling an exceptional opening spell which tightened the noose on the Afghans.
Afghanistan skipper, Rashid Khan, believes that it was a toss which should have been won and they did bowl well in the first 10 overs. Also feels that 165 was a total which should have been chased down. But then, blames the batsmen for not stepping up. Adds that there are 2 more games left, so hopes to learn from the mistakes committed in this game. Agrees that the series is all about giving youngsters an opportunity as there is plenty of upcoming talent in the country. But believes that in spite of the inexperience due to the young guys, which will take some time to gain confidence, it will prove helpful come the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20.
Is it fair to say that Evin Lewis was the differentiator between the two sides? Probably not. West Indies showed more application than the Afghans and this has been a case not only here but right from the ODIs. Who would your Man Of The Match be? Evin Lewis? Kieron Pollard? Kesrick Williams? Please stay tuned for the presenation...
Then, with the ball, the Windies did not let the effect of the dew hamper them at all. They seemed well prepared as they bowled well, managing tight lines and keeping the Afghans quiet. Just 4 batsmen managed double figures and only 2 sixes were hit in the run chase. Everyone bowled well but Kesrick Williams bagged the most wickets with 3/17 in his 4 overs. Mind you, they were a bowler short, losing Fabian Allen due to injury on the field. Yet, had 6 bowlers.
Now, we have got to hand it to the Caribbeans. On a track which was staying low, Lewis took the game away from the 'hosts' while Pollard provided the knockout punch towards the end, even though Afghanistan did manage to come back after Hetmyer's wicket. Lewis' blitz of 68 from 41 balls on a wicket like this was priceless.
Comfortably done in the end. 164 did look 20-30 runs below par at the halfway mark but it turned out to be 20-30 more than par. The 2016 WT20 champions have played like one, batting well on a sluggish track and then bowling exceedingly well in spite of the dew.
Sherfane Rutherford to Fareed Ahmad. That ends the game! Good length ball on off, Ahmad lofts this one over the cover fielder and takes a couple. West Indies defeat Afghanistan by 30 runs and maintain their unbeaten run on this tour.
Sherfane Rutherford to Fareed Ahmad. Ahmad comes down the track to this length ball but misses his swing at it.
Sherfane Rutherford to Fareed Ahmad. FOUR! Shortish in length, Ahmad pulls and pulls powerfully. The ball races away to the mid-wicket fence. Too late for Afghanistan.
Sherfane Rutherford to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. On the pads, Mujeeb flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
Sherfane Rutherford to Fareed Ahmad. Another one on off, Ahmad lofts this one towards long off for one.
Sherfane Rutherford to Fareed Ahmad. Shortish again, Ahmad chips this one down the ground for a couple.
Sherfane Rutherford is back on. 2-0-18-0 are his figures so far.
Hayden Walsh to Fareed Ahmad. Driven through mid off by the batsman. One run added to the total.
Hayden Walsh to Fareed Ahmad. FOUR! Beautiful shot! Floated on off, lofted over covers for a boundary.
Hayden Walsh to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Mujeeb slaps this one down to long off for one.
Hayden Walsh to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Again Mujeeb reverse sweeps but this time straight to Williams.
Hayden Walsh to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. FOUR! Reverse sweep brought out again! Mujeeb connects beautifully to this full ball outside off and lofts it over short third man for a boundary. Williams from short third man gives it a chase, dives but fails to pull it back in.
Hayden Walsh to Fareed Ahmad. Shortish delivery on middle, Ahmad pulls this one towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Kesrick Williams to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Mujeeb pulls this one towards mid-wicket for a couple.
Kesrick Williams to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
Kesrick Williams to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Mujeeb looks to flick this one down the leg side but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.
Kesrick Williams to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Full ball on middle, Williams defends it back to the bowler.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the last man in.
Kesrick Williams to Naveen-ul-Haq. OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! West Indies 1 wicket away from victory now. Short ball wide outside off, Naveen comes down the track and looks to pull. But the bounce gets big on him and he gets a faint edge on it. Ramdin behind takes an easy catch.
Kesrick Williams to Naveen-ul-Haq. Naveen goes for the reverse sweep again. This time Williams cleverly bowls it down the leg side. Naveen wants it to be called a wide but the umpire says that it is a legal delivery. Now, the batsman is not happy at all. He looks at the square leg umpire and then at the main one. Walks down the track and is fuming in anger, wanting that to be called a wide or a no ball for height. It was definitely not a no ball while as far as the wide quotient is concerned, it could not be called as the batsman was trying to play it on the opposite side.
Hayden Walsh to Naveen-ul-Haq. Naveen has played it towards mid-wicket. One run added to the total.
Hayden Walsh to Naveen-ul-Haq. Fuller one outside off, Naveen looks to jam it out but misses.
Hayden Walsh to Naveen-ul-Haq. FOUR! Reverse swept! Full ball on off, Naveen gets down on one knee and awkwardly reverse sweeps down towards third man for a boundary.
Hayden Walsh to Fareed Ahmad. Floated on off, pushed towards cover for one.
Hayden Walsh to Fareed Ahmad. FOUR! Great shot! Shortish and on off, Ahmad makes room and smashes this one over extra cover for a boundary.
Naveen-ul-Haq is the new batsman in.
Hayden Walsh to Gulbadin Naib. OUT! CAUGHT! Afghanistan lose another wicket and Naib is the man to go now. Floated delivery outside off, Naib looks to slog sweep this towards mid-wicket for a biggie. Naib gets a top edge on this one which goes towards long off where Sheldon Cottrell takes the catch. A matter of time before Afghanistan lose now.
Kesrick Williams to Fareed Ahmad. FOUR! Nice shot. Short delivery on off, Ahmad slaps it through covers for a boundary. 100 up for Afghanistan.
Kesrick Williams to Fareed Ahmad. On a good length on off, Ahmad blocks it out.
Kesrick Williams to Fareed Ahmad. Short delivery, Ahmad looks to pull but misses it.
Kesrick Williams to Fareed Ahmad. Good length delivery on middle, Ahmad nudges it to the leg side.
Kesrick Williams to Fareed Ahmad. Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Ahmad looks to cut but misses it.
Fareed Ahmad comes out to bat.
Kesrick Williams to Rashid Khan. OUT! CAUGHT! West Indies are three wickets away from winning the match. On a good length and outside off, Rashid looks to go big but gets an outside edge. It goes to Denesh Ramdin who takes a good catch moving to his right.
Kesrick Williams is back on. 2-0-11-1 are his figures so far.
Hayden Walsh to Gulbadin Naib. Wide outside off, Naib looks to lash at it but fails.
Hayden Walsh to Rashid Khan. On the pads, pulled towards mid-wicket for a single.
Hayden Walsh to Rashid Khan. Shortish outside off, Rashid plays this to point.
Hayden Walsh to Gulbadin Naib. Naib pushes this one towards long off and gets a single this time.
Hayden Walsh to Gulbadin Naib. Naib rocks onto the back foot and pushes it towards cover.
Hayden Walsh to Mohammad Nabi. OUT! CAUGHT! Afghanistan falling apart now with the run rate climbing. Hayden Walsh drags this one back. Nabi looks to pull this one over the mid-wicket fence. However, he does not get the timing on it and the ball goes to Jason Holder at deep mid-wicket who takes an easy catch. Afghanistan have now lost 2 wickets in the last 3 balls. Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan skipper now walks out to bat.
Kieron Pollard to Mohammad Nabi. Length delivery on off, Nabi taps it towards point for a single.
Gulbadin Naib is the new man in.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. OUT! CAUGHT! Short delivery on off, Zadran looks to pull but gets a top edge on this one. It goes high in the air and Denesh Ramdin moves to his right and catches it near the leg slip region. Afghanistan have lost half their side back in the hut.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. SIX! That is huge! Short of a length delivery, bowls slower, Zadran pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. Full delivery on middle, Zadran drives it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, Zadran lets it go.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. Full and around off, watchfully defended.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Zadran looks to go big but misses it.
Kieron Pollard is back on. 2-0-7-1 are his figures so far.
Jason Holder to Najibullah Zadran. On a length on middle, Zadran flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run.
Jason Holder to Najibullah Zadran. On a good length on leg, Zadran looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Probably it was pitching outside leg. Nabi walks down the track for the single but Najib sends him back. Not quite sure what is wrong. Looks like Zadran has hurt himself here.
Jason Holder to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! Nice shot. Full delivery outside off, Zadran drives it through point for a boundary.
Jason Holder to Mohammad Nabi. Full toss on middle, Nabi flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single.
Jason Holder to Najibullah Zadran. On a good length on leg, Zadran looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen cross ends.
Jason Holder to Mohammad Nabi. Short delivery on middle, Nabi pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.
Jason Holder is back on. 3-0-21-1 are his figures so far.
Sherfane Rutherford to Mohammad Nabi. Length delivery on middle, Nabi flicks it towards square leg for a run.
Sherfane Rutherford to Najibullah Zadran. On a length on off, Zadran punches it towards point for a run.
Sherfane Rutherford to Najibullah Zadran. Short of a length delivery outside off, Najibullah looks to pull but misses it.
Sherfane Rutherford to Najibullah Zadran. BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Zadran looks to cut but misses it.
Sherfane Rutherford to Mohammad Nabi. Short delivery outside off, Nabi cuts it through point. The batsmen take a single.
Sherfane Rutherford to Mohammad Nabi. Short delivery on off, Nabi cuts it to point.
Sherfane Rutherford to Mohammad Nabi. WIDE! Bowls it down the leg side, Nabi looks to flick but misses it.
Sherfane Rutherford comes back on. 1-0-14-0 are his figures so far.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. On a good length on off, Zadran plays it to point.
Kieron Pollard to Mohammad Nabi. Short on middle, Nabi pulls it through square leg for a single.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. Short delivery on middle, Zadran pulls it through mid-wicket for a run.
Kieron Pollard to Mohammad Nabi. Length delivery on middle, Nabi flicks it towards fine leg for a run.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. On a good length on off, Zadran plays it towards the off side and takes a run.
Mohammad Nabi walks in.
Kieron Pollard to Asghar Afghan. OUT! CAUGHT! The third umpire gives it out. Short of a length delivery, Afghan pulls it over mid-wicket but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards substitute Keemo Paul who runs in to take the catch just inches above the ground. The fielder is not claiming it at all and that prompts the umpires to refer it upstairs. The soft signal is out, I guess because it is not possible to check whether the catch is clean. However, in the end, the third umpire gives it out. Paul is not in the T20I squad, yet has come out to field. Allowed?
Is that a wicket? That is a stunning catch, if taken. But substitute Keemo Paul is not claiming it. The umpire has referred it upstairs. Looks to be a clean catch as per the second replay, which is front on. He is adjudged OUT, because of the soft signal.
Kieron Pollard is back on. 1-0-3-0 so far.
Hayden Walsh to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! Another one! Bad bowling by Walsh and Zadran punishes him as he rocks back and lofts this one over short fine leg for a boundary.
Hayden Walsh to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! Slapped away! Shortish on middle, Zadran pulls this one hardly towards square leg for a boundary.
Hayden Walsh to Najibullah Zadran. This one turns in from middle, Zadran just about brings his bat down in time and guides it to short third man.
Hayden Walsh to Asghar Afghan. Afghan punches this one towards point for one.
Hayden Walsh to Najibullah Zadran. Shortish again, Zadran pulls this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
Hayden Walsh to Asghar Afghan. Shortish outside off, cut to point for one.
Hayden Walsh is into the attack. It is his T20I debut for West Indies tonight. He has played for USA before.
Kesrick Williams to Najibullah Zadran. Length ball outside off, Zadran plays it towards point. 3 runs off the over and a wicket.
Kesrick Williams to Najibullah Zadran. Wide! Down the leg side, Zadran looks to flick but misses.
Kesrick Williams to Asghar Afghan. Short of a length ball on middle, Afghan pulls this one towards long on for one.
Kesrick Williams to Asghar Afghan. Length ball on middle and leg, Afghan looks to work this one fine down the leg side but misses his flick. The ball hits Afghan on the pad and Williams appeals. The umpire is unmoved. Looks to be going down leg.
Kesrick Williams to Najibullah Zadran. Length ball outside off, Zadran cuts this one towards point and takes a run.
Kesrick Williams to Najibullah Zadran. Full ball on off, Zadran defends this one towards cover.
Najibullah Zadran is the new man in.
Kesrick Williams to Hazratullah Zazai. OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Zazai departs! Change of bowling works for Pollard! Williams bowls a good length ball outside off, Zazai looks to slam it down the ground towards long off. However, Zazai only manages to get a faint edge on it and the ball goes to Ramdin who takes an easy catch. Zazai's miserable time at the crease comes to an end.
Kesrick Williams is back on. 1-0-8-0 are his figures so far.
Sherfane Rutherford to Hazratullah Zazai. It's been driven superbly through the covers. One run added to the total.
Sherfane Rutherford to Asghar Afghan. Afghan lofts this one over mid on for a single.
Sherfane Rutherford to Asghar Afghan. FOUR! Short ball on middle and leg, Afghan looks to pull but gets a top edge on it. The ball goes uppishly towards fine leg for a boundary.
Sherfane Rutherford to Hazratullah Zazai. Short of a length on middle, Zazai pulls this one towards square leg for one.
Sherfane Rutherford to Hazratullah Zazai. Wide! Another one which is way outside off. Zazai looks to put bat on ball but misses.
Sherfane Rutherford to Hazratullah Zazai. FOUR! Shortish outside off, Zazai cuts this one past point and the ball races towards the fence.
Sherfane Rutherford to Hazratullah Zazai. Wide! Way wide outside off, Zazai looks to slash at it but misses.
Sherfane Rutherford to Asghar Afghan. Short ball on middle, Afghan pulls this one towards square leg for one.
Sherfane Rutherford is into the attack.
Kieron Pollard to Hazratullah Zazai. On the pads of Zazai, he defends this one out.
Kieron Pollard to Hazratullah Zazai. Full ball wide outside off, Zazai looks to put bat on ball but misses.
Kieron Pollard to Asghar Afghan. Almost a yorker length ball, Afghan jams this one out towards long on for a single.
Kieron Pollard to Hazratullah Zazai. Length delivery on off, Zazai slaps it to covers where Keemo Paul makes a brilliant stop. The batsmen cross ends.
Problems for Fabian Allen! While throwing the ball, he seemed to be in an uncomfortable position. He is seen clutching his right knee. The physio is out in the middle and Allen is being helped out of the ground. One bowler short are the Windies now.
Kieron Pollard to Asghar Afghan. Short delivery on middle, Afghan pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.
Kieron Pollard to Asghar Afghan. On a good length on off, Afghan defends it off the back foot.
Jason Holder to Hazratullah Zazai. Another shorter one, this time Zazai gets out of the way. End of the Powerplay and Afghanistan are 38/2.
Jason Holder to Hazratullah Zazai. Length ball outside off, played to point.
Jason Holder to Asghar Afghan. Short of a length ball, Afghan pulls this one towards square leg for a single,
Kieron Pollard is into the attack.
Jason Holder to Asghar Afghan. Wide! Whoa. That is miles down the leg side, almost 2 feet wide! Zazai does not even bother to play the shot.
Jason Holder to Asghar Afghan. Full ball on middle, Afghan looks to jam it out towards the leg side but misses. The ball goes off the inner half towards square leg.
Jason Holder to Hazratullah Zazai. Full ball on middle and off, Zazai pushes this one down to long off for one.
Jason Holder to Hazratullah Zazai. NOT OUT! Good cricket by both sides! Excellent ball by Holder to start, bowls a yorker on the leg pole. Zazai does well to jam it out towards square leg and the batters look for a couple. The fielder there rushes to the ball, throws it towards the keeper's end who takes the bails off. Zazai puts in a dive to get in. The umpire refers it upstairs for a double check. The replays show that he is well in.
Run out appeal! Looks safe.
Kesrick Williams to Asghar Afghan. On a good length and outside off, Afghan looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes on the bounce to the keeper.
Kesrick Williams to Hazratullah Zazai. Good length delivery on leg, Zazai looks to defend but gets an inside edge on this one. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run.
Kesrick Williams to Asghar Afghan. Full delivery on middle, Afghan flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
Kesrick Williams to Hazratullah Zazai. On a good length on middle, Zazai tucks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
Kesrick Williams to Asghar Afghan. On a length on middle, Afghan flicks it through square leg for a single.
Kesrick Williams to Asghar Afghan. FOUR! Poor delivery from Williams. Short delivery on middle, Afghan pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Kesrick Williams is into the attack.
Jason Holder to Asghar Afghan. Full ball on the pads, Afghan works this one towards backward square leg for a single.
Jason Holder to Asghar Afghan. Beauty by Holder to back up the previous hit. he bowls another yorker, angling into Afghan. Afghan just about manages to dig it out.
Jason Holder to Asghar Afghan. SIX! What a way to get off the mark! Holder bowls this one on a good length on off, Afghan just stands tall and slams this one over mid-wicket for a biggie.
Jason Holder to Hazratullah Zazai. What a delivery on a Free Hit! Holder pulls one out of the top drawer and bowls it right in the blockhole. Zazai jams it out towards the leg side and just the single off it.
Free Hit coming up!
Jason Holder to Hazratullah Zazai. No ball! Overstepping by Holder! Full length ball on off, Zazai drives this one towards cover. Replays roll in and show that this overstepping call is a very close one. Doubtful!
Jason Holder to Hazratullah Zazai. FOUR! Good adjustment by the batsmen. This one is on the hips of Zazai, he adjusts his body and works this one towards fine leg for a boundary.
Jason Holder to Hazratullah Zazai. Length ball on off, pushed towards the man at mid off.
Sheldon Cottrell to Asghar Afghan. Length ball on middle and off, Afghan defends this one out.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Zazai pushes this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. FOUR LEG BYES! Down the leg side again, Zazai looks to flick but the ball kisses his pads and roll towards the fine leg fence.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Full ball on leg, Zazai looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Asghar Afghan is the next batsman in.
Sheldon Cottrell to Ibrahim Zadran. OUT! CAUGHT! Another wicket down and double trouble for Afghanistan! Short of a length ball on the body, Zadran looks to pull this one but gets a top edge on this one. The ball flies towards mid-wicket where Fabian Allen is positioned. He settles himself under the ball and takes the catch. West Indies well and truly on top here!
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. On the pads of Zazai, he flicks this one towards square leg for a single.
Jason Holder to Ibrahim Zadran. Full ball on off, Zadran lofts this one over covers for a couple. A successful over for the Windies.
Jason Holder to Ibrahim Zadran. Length ball outside off, Zadran gets an educated edge on this one as he tries to guide this one down to third man.
Jason Holder to Ibrahim Zadran. Good length ball on off, pushed out by Zadran.
Ibrahim Zadran is the new batsman in. He is making his T20I debut tonight.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. OUT! CAUGHT! A very good shot but straight to the man! Fuller ball on middle, Gurbaz looks to attack from the word go. He walks across his crease and looks to paddle-flick it but the ball goes uppishly straight to Brandon King at short fine leg. An early blow for Afghanistan as their explosive opener departs. He is known as the AB de Villiers of Afghanistan. Not quite living up to that legend's name.
Jason Holder to Hazratullah Zazai. Length ball on middle and off, Zazai looks to flick it towards the leg side but gets a leading edge on it. The ball lobs over the cover-point fielder and the batters take one.
Jason Holder to Hazratullah Zazai. Good length ball on middle, angling away. Zazai looks to have a poke at it but misses.
Jason Holder to bowl from the other end.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Another length ball on middle and off, Zazai pushes this one towards mid on and retains strike. Good start for the Windies!
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Length ball on middle and off, Zazai blocks it out.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Short of a length on off, Zazai this time connects and pulls this one towards deep mid-wicket for a couple. Zazai is off the mark and so are the Afghans.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Length ball wide outside off, Zazai goes for a wild slash outside off but misses.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. On the thigh pad of Zazai, he looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Length ball outside off, Zazai cuts this one towards point. Hayden Walsh dives there to his right and saves at least a run. Good start!
The West Indies fielders come out of the dugout, led by skipper Kieron Pollard. The Afghanistan openers, Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz follow them. Sheldon Cottrell to start the proceedings with the ball.