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AFG beat WI by 29 runs | Afghanistan vs West Indies, Highlights And Cricket Score 3rd T20I Match - Commentary
Afghanistan and West Indies in India, 3 T20I Series, 2019
Date: Nov 17, 2019 Start Time: 19:00 IST | 13:30 GMT | 19:00 LocalVenue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
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Afghanistan vs West Indies Highlights And Cricket Score 3rd Match - T20I Commentary
So 157 is the target for West Indies if they are to win the series to follow up the ODIs. Afghanistan will feel they have a good total on the board on a tough pitch. Can West Indies chase it or will Afghan bowlers clinch it for the home side? Join us in the second innings to find out.
Afghanistan's star batter of the evening Rahmanullah Gurbaz is down for a quick chat with Gautam Bhimani. Gurbaz says that the plan was to stay there till the end which would help them get to big score. On being asked about why is he called Mr. 360, Rahmanullah shies. Or shall we say, smiles. Then tries to give an answer which seems to be in the range of able to play shots everywhere but eventually says that he follows AB de Villiers and he has tried to learn from him.
As for West Indies, they started well with the ball but they lost their plot towards the end. Sheldon Cottrell, Kesrick Williams and Keemo Paul all got 2 wickets each but the latter two were expensive.
The star for Afghanistan was Rahmanullah Gurbaz, or better known as Mr. 360 of Afghanistan as he scored 79 runs off 52 balls. He was well supported by Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi who propelled Afghanistan to 156.
Excellent last 5 overs for Afghanistan. They scored 50 in the final 5 and that has seen them take their total past the mystical 150-run mark on a pitch which has its own demon.
Keemo Paul to Gulbadin Naib. A couple to end the innings! An excellent last over, 5 runs and a wicket. A full toss outside off, this is worked through mid-wicket and the batters take two. AFGHANISTAN END WITH 156/8!
Keemo Paul to Naveen-ul-Haq. Once again bowling to his field! Shorter and wide outside off, Naveen cuts it through point and only a single is taken.
Keemo Paul to Gulbadin Naib. A yorker outside off, this is jammed through the off side for one. This is a top class last over till now.
Keemo Paul to Naveen-ul-Haq. Excellent by Hope! Naveen goes down on one knee trying to paddle it but this is bowled outside off, he adjusts and looks to hit it through third man but Hope dives to his right and saves three for his side.
Keemo Paul to Gulbadin Naib. A low full toss around off, this is played towards backward square leg. The fielder there fumbles and a single is made easier.
Naveen-ul-Haq comes in for the final 5 balls of the innings. And straightaway, Kieron Pollard is in his ears. For those not following, the Naveen-Kieron battle started from the first game, where the fast bowler was sledging KP. Definitely the latter has excellent memory and is continuing the trend here, albeit in reverse order.
Keemo Paul to Mohammad Nabi. OUT! Another one bites the dust! That came right off the toe-end. A big wicket this as Nabi could have struck a few meaty blows in the last over. It is very full and outside off, Nabi looks to go over long on but fails to do so and he holes out to the man there. Holder takes a simple one.
Keemo Paul to bowl the last over of the innings. 2-0-21-1 are his figures so far. How much can he restrict the Afghans to? Under 160?
Kesrick Williams to Mohammad Nabi. Another single! On the pads, this is worked through square leg and a run is taken. 9 runs and two wickets in the penultimate over.
Kesrick Williams to Gulbadin Naib. On the shorter side again, Naib looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the body, the ball rolls on the off side and a run is taken.
Gulbadin Naib is the next batsman in.
Kesrick Williams to Rashid Khan. OUT! Straight to the man! Rashid bags a first-baller. This is shorter and outside off, Rashid looks to pick the gap between backward point and point. It goes off the top edge and straight to the man at short third man where Cottrell takes it.
Kesrick Williams to Mohammad Nabi. A slower one on the body this time, this is hit hard down to long on just for one.
Kesrick Williams to Mohammad Nabi. SIX! This is what Nabi can do! That is smoked! It is right in the zone, full and on off, Nabi clears his front leg and hammers it over the long off fence for a biggie.
Rashid Khan, the skipper, is the next man in.
Kesrick Williams to Najibullah Zadran. OUT! Zadran holes out! Taking wickets is the only way the Windies can stop the run flow. A full ball on middle, it is right in the hole. Najibullah Zadran fails to get under it completely and only manages to hit it high up in the air towards long on where Kieron Pollard takes it. So the firecrackers, themselves catch fire before bursting. That is how long Najibullah lasted in the middle.
Kesrick Williams to bowl out now. 3-0-22-0 are his figures so far.
Sheldon Cottrell to Mohammad Nabi. Excellent running. On the pads, Nabi turns it to the on side and looks for two. 15 from the over, 28 from the last 2. Afghanistan getting the finish they needed.
Sheldon Cottrell to Mohammad Nabi. FOUR! Poor effort from Brandon King at short fine leg and Cottrell is not a happy man. On the pads, Nabi plays the Nataraja shot to the left of short fine leg. (Ermmm... to picturize this, it is a shot played with the left leg in the air and the body swivelling in a dance pose. Hence the name). Brandon King there looks to stop it with a slide but the ball goes through him and to the fence for a boundary.
Sheldon Cottrell to Najibullah Zadran. Full delivery on leg, Najibullah looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head.
Sheldon Cottrell to Najibullah Zadran. SIX! Sounded good, sounded good and is good! Much, much better intent from Najibullah so far. He was pedestrian last night but tonight, he has come on a motorbike. Short delivery again, Zadran pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum. The crowd is cheering.
Sheldon Cottrell to Najibullah Zadran. Short of a length delivery, Najibullah pulls it over mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.
Sheldon Cottrell to Najibullah Zadran. On a good length and outside off, Zadran looks to cut but misses it.
Sheldon Cottrell to bowl out. 3-0-15-2 are his figures so far.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. A slower one on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket and a run is taken.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. WIDE! This one is given as a wide! Too short and on middle, it is ducked under.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. A dot! A rare one at the moment! This is full and way too wide outside off, Zadran lets it be but it is not wided.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. FOUR! Another poor delivery! This is on the pads, Zadran loves it there, he flicks it over the short fine leg fielder and bags a boundary.
Kieron Pollard to Mohammad Nabi. Fuller and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.
Mohammad Nabi is the new batsman in.
Kieron Pollard to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. OUT! TAKEN! There is the wicket the Windies wanted. Gurbaz though has done the job he was sent out for. He walks back after a brilliant, brilliant knock. He though can consider himself a touch unlucky. He had creamed that but due to the long boundaries, he holes out. A short ball outside off, Gurbaz slaps it hard uppishly but straight to sweeper cover where Paul takes a dolly. Can Windies keep them under 150?
Kieron Pollard to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. SIX! A gift and it is put away! A full toss on middle, easy pickings, Gurbaz hammers it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. Pressure on the bowler now as a biggie comes off the first ball.
Kesrick Williams to Najibullah Zadran. A slower one on middle, this is worked to the left of the bowler.
Kesrick Williams to Najibullah Zadran. The thinking was nice but it did not come off! Shorter and outside off, Zadran guides it towards short third man.
Kesrick Williams to Najibullah Zadran. Fuller and on off, this is pushed to the right of the bowler who dives and stops it.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. A yorker on middle, Gurbaz jams it out towards the bowler who fumbles it to his right. Gurbaz calls for a run and Williams then goes after the ball. However, it hits Zadran who is running towards the other end and goes away from KW.
Jeez that's got to hurt! Right on the box and we all know that is a painful blow. But it is a matter if laughter for the others isn't it? The moment that happened, the Afghanistan dugout was in splits, laughing uncontrollably. How many times have we seen people getting hit on the unmentionables and others laughing? Same here. The physio is out now to treat him but honestly, what can he do? He is also smiling. Well, the West Indians are not smiling. They take this time to gather themselves. This was the period last night where the game went away from them. The last couple of overs have seen some excess boundaries conceded. Time to regather and focus once again.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. OUCH! That must have surely hurt! A full toss outside off, Gurbaz shuffles across and looks to heave it but misses to get hit near the box. He is down on the ground and struggling with pain.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. SIX! Going, going and gone! Gurbaz is playing a gem of a knock here! He picks the slower one early and hammers it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. WIDE! A harsh call to be honest! That missed the leg pole by a whisker! Gurbaz moves across his stumps and tries to paddle it. Williams look to bowl it on the leg stump but misses it by just a little.
Kesrick Williams is back on. 2-0-14-0 are his figures so far.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. On a good length and outside off, Najibullah looks to play a reverse sweep but misses it.
Kieron Pollard to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Length delivery on leg, Gurbaz flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run.
Kieron Pollard to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. FOUR! Nice improvisation. On a length on leg, Gurbaz plays a paddle scoop over short fine leg for a boundary. Maybe that is why he is called as Mr. 360 of Afghanistan.
Kieron Pollard to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Short of a length delivery, Gurbaz pulls it over mid-wicket. Jason Holder in the deep does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get two runs.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. Length delivery on off, Najibullah guides it towards third man for a run.
Kieron Pollard to Najibullah Zadran. On a good length and outside off, Zadran plays it to point.
Kieron Pollard is into the attack.
Keemo Paul to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. FOUR! That is an excellent pull shot! Short and on the body, Gurbaz picks the length early and pulls it behind square on the leg side. End of an action-packed over, 14 runs and a wicket from it.
Keemo Paul to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Shorter and angling into the body, Gurbaz looks to guide it down to third man but ends up chopping it to point.
Najibullah Zadran is the next batsman in.
Keemo Paul to Asghar Afghan. OUT! TAKEN! The dropped catch does not cost a lot. Paul gets his man. Forget the recovery now because a road block has come. A good short one on middle, it skids through. Afghan is beaten by pace as he looks to hook. It hits the top edge and lobs towards short mid-wicket where Brandon King makes no mistake this time. The excellent partnership of 50 has been broken. West Indies will now look to get back into the game.
Keemo Paul to Asghar Afghan. SIX! That has gone a long way! An excellent pick-up shot. On the pads, Afghan whips it over the fine leg fence and it goes all the way. The 50-run stand is up as well, in 36 balls. Signs of recovery.
Keemo Paul to Asghar Afghan. Shorter and outside off, Afghan looks to cut but misses.
Keemo Paul to Asghar Afghan. DROPPED AND FOUR! King is the culprit! A wicket was needed, the chance was created but it is put down. Fuller and on middle, this is heaved towards deep mid-wicket. Brandon King is a few yards inside the ropes. He tracks back and tries to catch it but the ball bursts through and rolls into the ropes. A big let off this, it could cost the Windies big time.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Another two! Shorter and on middle, Gurbaz works it through mid-wicket with soft hands for two.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. A huge appeal but not given! Another slower one on middle, it pitches and grips in the surface. Gurbaz looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards third man. The bowler is appealing but the umpire shakes his head. Two leg byes taken.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Another wide! This is down the leg side again, Gurbaz looks to whip it but misses.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. WIDE! That was close but Gurbaz shuffles right across and Williams bowls a slower full toss down the leg side. Gurbaz looks to sweep but misses.
Kesrick Williams to Asghar Afghan. On the shorter side outside off, this is guided towards backward point for one.
Kesrick Williams to Asghar Afghan. That stays very low! Another slower one outside off, it grips in the surface and also stays low. Afghan looks to guide it down to third man but misses.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. One more short ball on the body, it is worked on the leg side and a single is taken.
Kesrick Williams to Asghar Afghan. A slower one on middle, Afghan works it down to fine leg and takes one.
Kesrick Williams is back on. 1-0-7-0 are his figures so far.
Keemo Paul to Asghar Afghan. Short of a length ball on middle, Afghan pulls this one towards square leg for a single.
Keemo Paul to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Gurbaz pushes this one down to long on for a single.
Keemo Paul to Asghar Afghan. Length ball outside off, Afghan pushes this one towards point for one.
Keemo Paul to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Another one on the pads, Gurbaz works this one towards mid-wicket. This time just a single.
Keemo Paul to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. 50 for Rahmanullah Gurbaz! On the pads, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a couple. He is dragging Afghanistan on his own here and needs some support. This has been an outstanding knock from the young man as this is not an easy pitch to bat on but he has shown great maturity and has mixed the singles and doubles with some very bold strokes.
Keemo Paul to Asghar Afghan. Outside off, pushed towards cover for a single.
Khary Pierre to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. NOT OUT! Gurbaz has his foot down on the ground! He kept really good balance there. However, this is a top nut by Pierre. It is tossed up outside off, slower through the air. It lands and then turns away. Gurbaz is drawn into the drive. He is beaten by the turn. The keeper collects it and whips the bails off. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays show that Gurbaz is in.
Has Gurbaz left his crease? The square leg umpire has asked for the T.V umpire's help as Hope has whipped the bails off when Gurbaz stretched out to defend but missed. Let's say what the replays have to say.
The umpire has had a word with Pollard and warned him as he has been debating a lot with the umpire.
Khary Pierre to Asghar Afghan. Flatter and on middle, Gurbaz goes back and works it through mid-wicket for one.
Khary Pierre to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Another single! One more shorter in length delivery outside off, Gurbaz hits it through covers and gets to the other end.
Khary Pierre to Asghar Afghan. Shorter and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Khary Pierre to Asghar Afghan. WIDE! Way too wide outside off, Afghan looks to cut but misses.
Khary Pierre to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Shorter in length and outside off, RG slaps it through covers for one.
Khary Pierre to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Now then, what was the umpire doing there! This is a full toss on the leg stump, Gurbaz looks to sweep but the ball hits his hand and lobs on the off side. For some reason, the umpire is seen signaling a wide. He later realizes his mistake and corrects the call.
Jason Holder to Asghar Afghan. On the shorter side, this is worked with soft hands towards wide mid on and some excellent running sees them take two. A top over for Afghanistan, 12 from it.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Shorter in length again and outside off, Gurbaz opens the face of the bat and hits it down to third man for one.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Shorter and on middle, Gurbaz goes back and keeps it out.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. FOUR! Just over! We saw power in the last ball and now we see finesse. A short one on middle, Gurbaz waits and upper cuts it over the keeper. Catch is the call, but it eludes a leaping Shai Hope to the third man fence.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. FOUR! Powered! No chance for anybody to stop that. Gurbaz makes room and Holder goes full and on the stumps, this is hammered down to the long off fence for a boundary.
Jason Holder to Asghar Afghan. On the fuller side on off, this is eased down to long off for one.
Khary Pierre to Asghar Afghan. Shorter in length and outside off, this time it is played late and slapped through covers for one.
Khary Pierre to Asghar Afghan. On the shorter side outside off, Afghan looks to cut but ends up chopping it on the off side.
Khary Pierre to Asghar Afghan. Flatter and on middle, Afghan blocks it out.
Khary Pierre to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Gurbaz comes down the track and works it through square leg and takes another one.
Khary Pierre to Asghar Afghan. This is angled into the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
Khary Pierre to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Fires this one in and ends up bowling a full toss, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Jason Holder to Asghar Afghan. Another bouncer on middle and leg, Afghan pulls this one towards square leg for a couple. Gets off the mark.
Jason Holder to Asghar Afghan. Bouncer outside off, Afghan tries to play the upper cut but misses.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Short and wide outside off, Gurbaz plays this one towards point for one.
Asghar Afghan is the next batsman in.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. RUN OUT! Ibrahim Zadran departs after very bad communication between the two Afghanistan batters. Holder bowls a full ball on the pads, Gurbaz looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards the leg side of the pitch and Holder races towards the ball. Gurbaz calls for a run, takes a couple of steps down the track but then sends Ibrahim back. Zadran tries to turn and get back but Holder scores a direct hit at the non-striker's end. Maybe a blessing in disguise for Afghanistan here as Zadran was struggling.
Jason Holder to Ibrahim Zadran. Ibrahim Zadran pushes one back past the bowler for a single.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Short and wide outside off, Gurbaz works this one towards third man for one.
Jason Holder is back on. 2-0-9-0 are his figures so far.
Khary Pierre to Ibrahim Zadran. Flatter and on middle, the batter lunges and defends it out. Once again, another bowler makes a good comeback after going for a biggie in the over.
Khary Pierre to Ibrahim Zadran. On middle, kept out again.
Khary Pierre to Ibrahim Zadran. Zadran is playing too cautiously here. He is not willing to play the big shots as of now. It is on off, he goes back and keeps it out.
Khary Pierre to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Good batting again! Gets a biggie on the last ball and now pushes it down to long off for one.
Khary Pierre to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. SIX! That is huge! What a hit this by Gurbaz! Excellent batting from him. Skips down quickly, gets to the pitch of it and then tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.
Khary Pierre to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Fuller and on off, this is driven back to the bowler.
Khary Pierre to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. WIDE AND TWO! Three to begin his spell! Down the leg side, Gurbaz looks to sweep but misses. The keeper fails to collect it and two is taken.
Spin into the attack for the first time in this game. Khary Pierre is into the attack. So Pollard goes straight to the spinner as the Powerplay ends.
Kesrick Williams to Ibrahim Zadran. A dot to end the Powerplay! A good over in the end by Williams. This is fuller and on off, it is driven towards cover. A sedate Powerplay for Afghanistan, they are 32 for 2 after it.
Kesrick Williams to Ibrahim Zadran. Width on offer but the batter misses out! Shorter and outside off, Zadran cuts but to point.
Kesrick Williams to Ibrahim Zadran. This is angled into the pads, Ibrahim works it towards mid-wicket.
Kesrick Williams to Ibrahim Zadran. Back of a length and on middle, the batter stays back and defends it onto the ground.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Good batting! Got a biggie on the last ball, now works it through square leg and takes one.
Kesrick Williams to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. SIX! He has picked the bones out of that one! What a sound that made of the bat. WOW! Not the way Williams would have wanted to be welcomed into the attack. It is full and outside off, a slower one. Gurbaz picks it early and tonks it over the long on fence. Good start to the 6th, Afghanistan now need to make it count.
Kesrick Williams is into the attack.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Fuller and on middle, this is flicked through mid-wicket for one.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. A wild swing there! Full and just outside off, Rahmanullah swings hard at it but only connects with thin air. He is going after everything here.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. In the air... safe! Cottrell goes fuller and on off, Gurbaz swings but fails to get any timing. It lobs towards Paul at mid off who runs in but it lands well short.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. A good bumper this time! It is wided though but it is a well-directed one. Just bounces a little too high.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. FOUR! A hit-me delivery! Gurbaz makes room and this is banged in way too short. It sits up to be hit. Gurbaz pulls it over mid-wicket and a boundary results.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. One more slower one outside off, it comes off really slowly. Gurbaz mistimes his slap towards cover.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Shortish and outside off, this is guided towards backward point.
Jason Holder to Ibrahim Zadran. Another one outside off, Zadran guides this one to point again.
Jason Holder to Ibrahim Zadran. Length ball outside off, Ibrahim guides this one towards point.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Shortish again, Gurbaz slaps this one towards the man at mid on. Single taken.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Shortish on middle and off, RG looks to pull again but the ball goes off the inside edge onto the pads. It rolls towards the off side.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Fuller one on off, Rahmanullah pushes it back to the bowler.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. SIX! HUGE! What a shot from Gurbaz! Full length ball on the pads, Gurbaz picks it up and dispatches this one towards square leg and into the stands for a biggie. First maximum of the innings.
Ibrahim Zadran is the new man in.
Sheldon Cottrell to Karim Janat. OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! That is an unnecessary shot by Janat! Not sure what he was doing there. It is wide outside off, Karim swings at it wildly. The ball takes the outside edge and goes straight to Hope. The trademark Sheldon salute is out once again. It was a decent over for Afghanistan, that shot was not needed at all. Nevertheless, Windies won't care. They are right on top at the moment.
Sheldon Cottrell to Karim Janat. Janat is off the mark! Fuller and outside off, Janat hits it through extra cover, it is not off the middle and two is taken.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Just over! A good short one by Cottrell, it hurries onto the batter. Rahmanullah is way too late in the pull. He mistimes it towards Lewis at mid-wicket. He leaps with a hand stretched upwards but it goes over him and a single is taken.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Clears his front leg again but Cottrell bowls a slower one outside off, Gurbaz cannot get behind it properly and just guides it to point.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. FOUR! Good, good shot for the first boundary of the game! A length ball around middle, it is coming back in. Gurbaz clears the front leg and heaves it over mid-wicket for a much-needed boundary as Afghanistan have been on the back foot to start this game.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. A little too straight, Gurbaz looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Misses out there, the batter.
Jason Holder to Karim Janat. On a good length on off, Janat defends it out. Just 2 runs off the over including the extra.
Jason Holder to Karim Janat. Good length delivery on leg, Karim looks to defend but gets hit on the pads again. Janat struggling a bit.
Jason Holder to Karim Janat. On a good length on leg, Janat looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. There is a stifled appeal from the West Indies players but the umpire shakes his head.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. On a length on off, Gurbaz taps it towards point. The batsmen cross ends.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, RG looks to play a lofted shot towards the on side but misses it.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. On a good length on off, Rahmanullah defends it off the front foot.
Jason Holder to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, Gurbaz looks to chase this delivery but misses it.
Jason Holder to bowl from the other end.
Sheldon Cottrell to Karim Janat. This is angled into the pads, Janat works it towards mid-wicket. End of a successful first over by Cottrell.
Karim Janat is the new man in for Afghanistan. Can the star of yesterday become the superstar of today?
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. OUT! In the air... taken! There goes Zazai for a duck! Perfect start for West Indies as Cottrell strikes in the first over itself. This is a shortish ball outside off, it is an off pace delivery. Zazai looks to slap it over on the off side but the ball hits the splice of the bat and lobs towards cover where Lewis takes a dolly. Big wicket for West Indies as Zazai can be very destructive especially in this format.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Down the leg side, the flick is missed and it has been wided.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Another fuller delivery on middle, Zazai strokes it to the man at mid on.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Swing there! Fuller and on middle, it shapes away. Zazai watches it nicely and keeps it out.
An injury already? A real cause of concern as Shai Hope is down! In an attempt to stop the ball, it has hit him right on his knee. The physio comes out and is helping him. Good to see that he is back on his feet and ready to continue.
Sheldon Cottrell to Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Gurbaz is underway! Slightly shorter and outside off, it stays quite low. Gurban looks to cut but gets an underedge. The ball bounces just in front of Hope who fails to stop it cleanly. A run is taken. Hope is in some pain here.
Sheldon Cottrell to Hazratullah Zazai. Afghanistan are underway courtesy a leg bye! This is on the pads, Zazai looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side and a single is taken.
The West Indies players are out in the middle and are taking their fielding positions. The Afghanistan openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai follow them. Sheldon Cottrell to start the proceedings with Zazai on strike.
West Indies (Playing XI) - Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (WK) (IN for Denesh Ramdin), Kieron Pollard (C), Lendl Simmons (IN for Sherfane Rutherford), Keemo Paul, Jason Holder, Kesrick Williams, Sheldon Cottrell, Khary Pierre (IN for Hayden Walsh).
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (C), Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Pitch Report - Alistair Campbell is down for the pitch report. Says that it is the same wicket as last night and expects it to behave same tonight. Reminds us that the side that batting first has an advantage historically. Alistair expects the captain winning the toss to do the same. Mentions how the Windies players struggled yesterday and something similar could happen tonight for the team batting second.
Toss - Up goes the coin... it lands in the favour of Rashid Khan. AFGHANISTAN OPT TO BAT FIRST.
Welcome to the 3rd and final T20I between West Indies and Afghanistan. It has been a riveting series so far and we expect some of the same in the last match as well. Heading into the T20 World Cup next year, both these sides will be looking for a much-needed confidence boosting series victory and build on it. West Indies have had a miserable time in this format in 2019 as they have won just 1 match in 8. They also have a possibly bad situation in the wicketkeeping department as Denesh Ramdin has reportedly been ruled out due to a hamstring injury and Nicholas Pooran has been suspended. Shai Hope would be the frontrunner to stand behind the wickets in the 3rd T20I. As for Afghanistan, they have proved to be a tough nut to crack with several utility players and specialist bowlers to count on. Stay tuned for the team news and what will be a very decisive coin toss.
That is it from the T20I series. After a humiliating loss in the ODIs, Afghanistan have come from behind to win the T20I series. With the tour level at 1-1, we are not done with the tour. The action now moves to the longest format of the game for the tour decider. The one-off Test will be played on 27th November, Wednesday. The game will begin at 0930 local (0400 GMT). Join us for that one. Till then cheers!
Afghanistan skipper, Rashid Khan, says he is pleased with the series win especially after losing the ODI series. States their strength is bowling and that is what they rely on but they need to bat well too and anything above 150, they back themselves to defend it. Mentions they need to be smart, cool and calm most of the time and they had a good mindset heading into the T20Is after losing the 50-over format. Admits help from the seniors in captaincy is very good as sometimes he runs out of ideas and their advice is very helpful.
Man of the Series, Karim Janat, thanks the crowd for their support throughout. Ends by saying the team supported him really well and he gave it all with both bat and ball.
Man of the Match, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, says he wanted to bat longer and the coaches gave him the confidence and play his natural game and bat as deep as possible and take his side to a good total.
West Indies skipper, Kieron Pollard, says they found themselves in a hole again and it was difficult to catch up after that. States they have learnt a lot in this series and going forward they need to adapt to the situation quickly. Mentions they have a long term plan but they need to deal with what is in front of them at the moment. Also tells unfortunately they did not get over the line but they need to learn quickly. Ends by saying they need to focus on their strengths and they are looking forward to the Test series, the ones playing the Test are already here and practicing and are up for the longest format.
Overall a very complete performance from the Afghans to seal the series, first they put up a total which was above par on this surface courtesy Gurbaz. Later on, their bowlers did not let their batters effort go in vain as they defended the total quite easily.
For Afghanistan, everybody who bowled more than one over had a wicket to his name. Naveen though was the pick as he finished with a three-fer. Mujeeb like always, was extremely economical. Rashid Khan took the onus of bowling the tough overs on himself and did an excellent job. Karim Janat was a little expensive but he could still give himself a pat on the back.
Once again Afghanistan have managed to defend their target and they have done it convincingly this time too! Anything above 150 was going to be a very tough task on a wicket which was very slow and the Afghan bowlers made complete use of it. Their spinners bowled at the right pace and the pacers varied theirs correctly. They had Windies in trouble in the Powerplay itself by getting rid of King and Simmons. Hope and Lewis then tried to build a partnership but just as the latter looked to get going, he was dismissed. Hetmyer and Pollard once again failed to make an impact. Hope, with a half ton, was the lone fighter but the task was too much of an ask for him.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Khary Pierre. Slower one to end the game. Outside off, Pierre throws his bat at it but misses. Naveen is up in joy and so are the rest of the Afghanistan players. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 29 RUNS AND THE SERIES 2-1! Remember, they are yet to lose a T20I series since 2018...
Naveen-ul-Haq to Khary Pierre. WIDE! We will have one more ball in this game. Naveen misses his line and sprays it down the leg side. Wided by the umpire.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Keemo Paul. Another slower ball. This is on a length, Keemo manages to wait and then pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Keemo Paul. Brilliant ball. Slower one outside off, Keemo swings his bat at it but the ball just won't arrive. He is more than halfway done with the shot and then the ball goes behind on a couple of bounces to the keeper.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Khary Pierre. Full toss on off, Pierre manages to just hit it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Khary Pierre is the next batsman in.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Jason Holder. OUT! Caught! Another wicket for Naveen-ul-Haq. Good length ball outside off, Holder looks to clear the long on fence. He does not time it well and it goes to Mohammad Nabi there who stretches and takes a good catch. This has been a very good bowling display from young Naveen. His 3rd of the game.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Keemo Paul. Extremely full and on off, this is hit down to long off for one. So even 5 sixes won't do it now. Afghanistan just don't have to bowl an extra.
Gulbadin Naib to Keemo Paul. A yorker on middle, this is jammed out to long on for one. Excellent over by Naib. 34 needed in the last 6. Mathematically possible but don't see it happening.
Gulbadin Naib to Keemo Paul. Goes for another slower one but this is way too wide outside off. Paul once again swings extremely hard but misses. Wided this time though.
Gulbadin Naib to Keemo Paul. Another swing and a miss! One more slower one outside off, it stays very low again. Paul looks to go over mid-wicket but misses.
Gulbadin Naib to Keemo Paul. Now shows his variation! A slower one, bangs it into the surface and bowls it outside off. Paul looks to hit it across the line but is foxed by the pace.
Gulbadin Naib to Jason Holder. Extremely full again outside off, not easy to hit those out of the park. Holder hits it down to long off for one.
Gulbadin Naib to Keemo Paul. Slower one outside off, this is dragged down to long on for one.
Gulbadin Naib to Keemo Paul. Full and wide outside off, Paul lets it be and it has been wided.
Keemo Paul is the new batsman in.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. OUT! Straight to the man! That is probably game, set and match. The well-set Shai Hope is out of here. This is full and outside off, Hope looks to go over covers but the ball is a little too full to get under it. He ends up hitting it straight to Afghan there. It went to him quickly but he hangs on. A good innings by Shai but he was probably Windies' only hope. 39 needed in 11 balls with two new batters out there.
Gulbadin Naib to bowl out. 3-0-21-0 are his figures so far.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Jason Holder. FOUR! Much-needed one for the Men in Maroon. Spoils an otherwise good over. Short ball on off, Holder stays on his back foot and pulls it over cow corner. The fielder from long on runs and stretches to his right but cannot stop the ball from going to the fence. Still a good over. Just 7 runs off it but more importantly the big wicket of Pollard.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Shai Hope. Fuller on middle, Hope milks it to long on and gets to the other end.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Jason Holder. Around the pads, Holder flicks it through mid-wicket for one.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Jason Holder. Good length ball outside off, Holder looks to cut but misses.
Jason Holder is the new man in.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Kieron Pollard. OUT! Pollard holes out! Is this the end of West Indies' charge? Pollard went for the big one, he had to go for this one. It is full on off, the ball keeps a bit low. The West Indies skipper looks to heave it over the mid-wicket fence. He cannot get under it and he ends up finding the man in the deep to perfection. Najibullah Zadran there makes no mistake and takes a simple catch. 45 needed off 16. Are West Indies still in it?
Naveen-ul-Haq to Shai Hope. Short delivery on middle, Hope pulls it through mid on. The batsmen take a single.
Naveen-ul-Haq is back on. 2-0-13-1 are his figures so far.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. That is a tremendous effort in the field! Rashid tosses it up outside off, Pollard drags it towards wide long on. Nabi runs to his right. The ball seems to be going for a boundary but Nabi stretches one hand out and pushes it back in. Saves two for his side. Such efforts can make the difference in the end. Just the 7 from Rashid's last. The skipper bowls a brilliant spell, his figures read 4-0-18-1.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. FOUR LEG BYES! A welcome boundary, it is not off the bat but the visitors won't care. It is a googly this time on middle, Pollard does not pick it as he goes back to play it on the off side. It turns back in, kisses the pads and goes past the keeper to the fine leg fence.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. One more dot and this is a rippa. A leggie on off, it pitches and turns away. Pollard is maybe expecting a googly as he defends inside the line. Gets beaten.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. Very full and outside off, this is hit down to long off for one. FIFTY UP FOR HOPE. However, his job is not yet done.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. One more dot! On off, it is defended towards cover.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. Shorter in length and outside off, Hope looks to cut but there is extra bounce and turn which beats the bat.
Karim Janat to Kieron Pollard. Two taken off the final delivery! Pollard takes a few steps down the track and then flicks it wide of the fielder at deep square leg. 8 runs from the over. 53 needed in 24 balls. Not going to be easy this with Rashid and Mujeeb having one each left.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. A slower delivery wide outside off, Hope flat-bats it down to long off for one. Singles won't harm Afghanistan.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. This is brilliant stuff! Nothing you can do with those deliveries. It is a pin-point yorker on middle, Hope jams it out. Two dots after the boundary.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. A yorker now on middle, this is jammed back to the bowler. An excellent delivery after getting hit for a boundary.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. FOUR! Bludgeoned! Hope is playing a gem here. This is a slower one on middle, Hope powers it down to the long on fence. A boundary early in the over, just what the Windies wanted.
Karim Janat to Kieron Pollard. Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the off pole, Pollard hits it down to long on and takes one.
Karim Janat to finish off. 3-0-25-1 are his figures so far.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. A single to end! Shorter in length again and on off, Pollard whips it through mid-wicket and takes one. Just the 4 runs in the over. 61 needed in 30 balls.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. BEATEN! Lovely delivery! This lands on off and then turns away. Pollard tries to defend but is beaten.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. Good running! Pollard works it with soft hands through mid-wicket. They take one and go for the second. Complete it.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. Shorter and outside off, it is pulled through mid-wicket just for one.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. Flatter and on off, it is pushed towards cover.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. Well bowled! The leg spinner outside off, Hope comes down the track a little but realizes he won't get to the pitch of the ball. Holds his ground, tries to defend but is beaten. He though drags his feet back in.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. In the air but just short! Magnificent effort from the Afghanistan skipper. Length ball on off, Hope flat-bats it to the right of cover. He does so uppishly. Rashid Khan at cover dives to his right and manages to stop the ball as it falls just short of him. He then quickly gathers himself and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Brilliant from the Afghanistan skipper, saves a certain boundary. He is leading from the front here. Naib runs all the way to Rashid and helps him stand up, shaking his hand and smiling. Now, plenty of Afghan players gather around. Everyone is smiling. Top effort and team grouping. Pollard is also smiling, though not for the effort but in response to something said by Hope.
Gulbadin Naib to Kieron Pollard. Smart bowling. Naib sees Pollard coming down the track so he bangs it in short. Kieron pulls it towards mid-wicket for one.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. Back of a length on off, Hope pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. FOUR! Good ball but Hope manages to get a boundary. Very full on the pads, it is almost a yorker. Hope manages to flick it fine down the leg side for a boundary.
Gulbadin Naib to Kieron Pollard. Pollard walks down the track. Naib sees him and bowls it very slow on middle and off. Kieron flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets a single. Gulbadin stares down at Pollard and smiles.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. Full around off, Hope hits it hard but there is a man at sweeper cover so just a single.
Gulbadin Naib is back. 12 runs off his 2 overs so far. He has been excellent.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. Hope punches this one towards long on and retains strike. Successful over for the Afghanistan players.
Rashid Khan to Kieron Pollard. Pollard now flicks this one towards mid-wicket for one. Gets off the mark.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. On the pads of Hope, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket for one.
Kieron Pollard walks out to bat. He needs to play a skipper's knock here. Can he do so?
Rashid Khan to Shimron Hetmyer. OUT! CAUGHT! Hetmyer departs and the floodgates have opened! Rashid Khan bowls a slower one, Hetmyer looks to play this over cover but does not time it well. The ball takes the outside edge and goes towards point where Asghar Afghan takes an easy catch. The budding stand is broken and Afghanistan roaring loudly! The Windies need 77 off 45 balls.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Rashid Khan to Shimron Hetmyer. Woah! What has happened there? Rashid pitches this one outside leg, gets it to spin away from the batter. Hetmyer heaves at it but misses the ball completely. The ball somehow misses the off pole and the keeper spills it too. The ball rolls towards short third man and the batters take a leg bye. No wait! The umpire has adjudged this as a run as he thinks that this has taken an edge off the outside half.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. On the pads, it is flicked through mid-wicket and two is taken.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. Fuller and around off, this is driven to the man at covers.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. Another misfield AND FOUR! Brilliant effort but to no avail! Good length and outside off, Hope opens the face of the bat and guides it towards point. The fielder there misfields. Afghan runs after it from backward point. He slides and tries to push it back in. The batters take three. It is taken upstairs though to check if it is cleanly stopped. After seeing a few replays, it does seem Afghan has done well but the umpire signals a boundary. Afghan is not happy and has a word with the umpire but the third umpire's decision has been upheld.
Karim Janat to Shimron Hetmyer. A slower one on middle, the batter looks to flick but is a touch early in the shot. He gets a leading edge back towards mid off for one.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. Top stuff! One more yorker outside off, Hope jams it out on the off side and takes one.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. Landed outside off, Hope swings but misses. Wide signaled. Once again it seemed a harsh call.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. Very full and on middle, Hope looks to go over the bowler's head but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. Hope flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. Brilliant fielding! Floated on middle, Hope smashes this one over the bowler's head. Naib from long on runs across to his left, dives and gets to the ball. He parries it back into play and then goes over the fence. The fielder from long off mops it up and the batters take two.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. Floated on off, Hope smashes it but straight back towards the bowler.
Rashid Khan to Shimron Hetmyer. This time Hetmyer flicks it towards mid-wicket for one.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope. On middle again, pushed down to long on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Shimron Hetmyer. Floated on middle, Hetmyer slogs this one towards deep mid-wicket but just a single off it.
Rashid Khan, the skipper, has introduced himself into the attack.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope. A couple to end! A low full toss on the pads, it is flicked in the gap in the mid-wicket region. The batters go for the second. Rashid picks the ball up quickly and fires it towards the bowler who looks to deflect it onto the stumps but fails to do so. Had he done so, Hetmyer would have been a goner. 13 from the over. A few more of such overs is what the Windies need.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope. Fires this full and on off, it is hit back to the bowler.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope. SIX! Huge! Is this the momentum changing over? 11 from the first four balls. Slightly short this one, Hope is onto the back foot quickly and pulls it with ease over the mid-wicket fence.
Mohammad Nabi to Shimron Hetmyer. Slightly shorter again and outside off, SH slaps it through covers, Janat in the deep stops it this time and just a run.
Mohammad Nabi to Shimron Hetmyer. Flatter and on off, this is pushed to covers.
Mohammad Nabi to Shimron Hetmyer. MISFIELD AND FOUR! That is very poor, all the pressure was building and this is exactly what the hosts did not need. Shorter and outside off, Hetmyer goes back and slaps it through covers. Janat in the deep runs to his right but lets it through his legs. A welcome boundary for the visitors.
Mohammad Nabi is into the attack.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. A couple to end! On the pads, this is worked wide of the fielder at deep mid-wicket and the batters take two. 8 from the over, still not good enough as the required rate is close to 10.
Gulbadin Naib to Shimron Hetmyer. On the pads, Hetmyer works it with soft hands towards long on. He calls for two but has to settle for one.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. DROPPED! Naveen puts in a good effort in the deep but spills it. Another slower one on middle, Hope lofts it down the ground. Naveen-ul-Haq from long on runs to his left, seems to have taken it but just as his body hits the ground while diving, the ball spills out. Naib is not happy but it wasn't a very easy chance. Hope would want to make this count now.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. Straight down the ground but only for two! A slower one on middle, Hope lofts it over the bowler's head and takes an easy couple.
Gulbadin Naib to Shimron Hetmyer. On the shorter side outside off, this is pulled down to long on and a run is taken.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
Shimron Hetmyer is the new batsman in.
Karim Janat to Evin Lewis. OUT! LBW! Janat, the star of yesterday, gets his first. That looked out to the naked eye. Lewis is walking off shaking his head but it seemed to be out. An important breakthrough as Lewis was off to a start and looking to get a move on. Janat bowls this one slightly shorter and on off, it comes in with the angle and also skids through. Lewis looks to pull but the ball does not bounce as much as he anticipated it to. The ball hits the pads, an appeal and up goes the finger. West Indies slip further behind. 115 runs needed in 72 balls.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. Another very good slower one outside off, Hope looks to go over covers but it goes off the inner half down to long on for one.
Karim Janat to Evin Lewis. A low full toss on off, Lewis hits it hard but only for a run down to long off.
Karim Janat to Evin Lewis. That is outstanding! WOW! Rashid is down in pain but he has just saved four for his side. However, he being down on the ground is more worrying. Janat bowls this one slightly short and around middle, Lewis looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards the deep mid-wicket fence. Rashid there is a few yards inside the ropes, he then takes a few steps back and takes it above the head. He then realizes he is about to fall over the ropes so throws the ball back in. Gets back on his feet, picks the ball up by coming into the field and throws it back before going down onto the ground. Only two in the end for the batters.
Rashid has almost pulled off a stunner. Moreover it looks like he has saved a six but this looks to be a bigger blow for Afghanistan. The Afghanistan skipper is down holding his rib. The physio is out in the middle to have a look. He is lying down. In the meantime, replay show us that Rashid has indeed saved a definite six. Afghanistan will hope he is fine to continue. Rashid takes his time but then just like the warrior he is, he gets up and goes to his fielding position holding his rib. That would make all the Afghanistan fans happy as he looks fine to continue.
Karim Janat to Evin Lewis. Excellent delivery but it still costs two! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out through mid-wicket and a couple is taken.
Karim Janat to Evin Lewis. Shorter in length and outside off, Lewis looks to cut but it goes off the outside edge to short third man.
Gulbadin Naib to Evin Lewis. Short delivery on middle, Lewis pulls it through square leg for a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. Bowls full on middle, Hope guides it towards third man for a run.
Gulbadin Naib to Evin Lewis. On a length on leg, Lewis nudges it towards short fine leg for a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. Full delivery on off, Hope drives it through covers. The batsmen cross ends.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. Short and outside off, Hope slaps it to covers.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope. Full delivery on off, Hope drives it to covers.
Gulbadin Naib is into the attack.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. A single to end the Powerplay! On off, Hope guides it towards point. Afghanistan on top after the Powerplay but they were at the same score after the first 6. Windies are 32 for 2. Another 125 needed in 84.
Karim Janat to Evin Lewis. Shorter and outside off, Lewis guides it towards point for one. Good batting.
Karim Janat to Evin Lewis. FOUR! Evin Lewis makes good use of the Free Hit. He smashes it down the ground. Janat bowls it fuller and on middle, this is powered down to the long on fence. A welcome boundary for the visitors.
Free Hit time!
Karim Janat to Evin Lewis. NO BALL! Where did that come from? It surely must have slipped out of the bowler's hand. Janat bowls a beamer, Lewis does well to duck under it. The bowler straightaway apologizes. However, Lewis has a Free Hit coming up now.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. On a length on middle, Hope flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.
Karim Janat to Evin Lewis. Full delivery on off, Lewis drives it towards covers where the fielder dives to stop it but does not stop it cleanly and concedes a run.
Karim Janat to Shai Hope. Full delivery on middle, Hope drives it through mid on. The batsmen take a run.
The star from Saturday night, Karim Janat is into the attack. Can he repeat the heroics?
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. FOUR! Swept away! Full toss on the pads, Lewis lofts his sweep over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary. Poor ball to end the over but still another good over from Mujeeb. Just 5 off this one.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Floated on middle and off, pushed back towards Mujeeb.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Floated delivery on middle, Evin defends it off the front foot.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Flighted delivery on off, Lewis defends it out.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Tossed up delivery outside leg, Lewis looks to sweep but misses it. Lewis looks bemused that it has not been called a wide. Maybe the umpire thinks it has clipped Lewis' pads on its way to the keeper.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Shai Hope. Flighted delivery on middle, Hope drives it through mid on. The batsmen take a run.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Shai Hope. Good length and on off, Hope strokes it to the man at covers.
Shai Hope is the new man in.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Brandon King. OUT! KABOOM! Is that an action replay of the way King was cleaned up in the second T20I? Well, it does seem so. Another off cutter gets the better of King. It is fuller and on off, King is way too early in the shot, as he looks to work it on the leg side. He misses and the ball hits the stumps. Also, replays seem to indicate slightly low bounce, as was seen in the last game too. West Indies in big, big trouble now.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Brandon King. Another length ball outside off, King guides it to the man at cover-point.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. Direct hit and it would have been close! A short one outside off, Lewis looks to cut but ends up chopping it on the off side. Lewis sets off for a run. The fielder from covers runs in, picks the ball up and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses.
Nice dissection of Naveen-ul-Haq's action and holding of the seam. So the fast bowler comes running in, showing the upright or the cross seam to the batsman - until he reaches the umpire. Then, he slightly covers it a bit and delivers. So a good batsman will be watching the seam till the very last moment, right from the time it comes into visibility. Rest assured, I will never be able to pick the change from that far and in this smoggy environment.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. A good slower one outside off, Lewis looks to guide it but ends up chopping it on the off side. Two dots to begin this over.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. Lewis misses out there! Shorter and on the body, Evin pulls it towards short fine leg. A little to the left or the right and it would have been a boundary.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brandon King. A dot to end! Floats it up on off, the batter drives it to mid off. End of a successful over. 142 needed in 102 balls.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. Another short ball on off, Evin once again stays back and pushes it down to long on and gets to the other end.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Evin Lewis. The carrom ball now. On off, it darts back in. Lewis plays it to the left of the bowler.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brandon King. Fuller and on off, this is driven towards mid off and a single is taken.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Brandon King. Flatter and on off, King keeps it out.
Brandon King is the next batsman in.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Lendl Simmons. OUT! TIMBER! Mujeeb, like he has done many a times for Afghanistan, draws first blood for his side. That is not the right shot to play against him. We saw King playing something similar and get cleaned up in the first game and now Simmons. This is slightly shorter and it drifts in from outside off. LS goes back and looks to cut it but misses and the stumps are shattered. Not a good return into the team for the opener and Afghanistan strike early.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Lendl Simmons. A single to end an expensive first by Naveen! A dipping slower full toss on off, Simmons hits it towards mid on and a run is taken.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. Another short one and on middle, Lewis pulls it through square leg and takes one.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Evin Lewis. FOUR! That will ease off the pain a bit! Off the mark in style is Lewis. Short and wide outside off, Lewis slaps it through point and the ball races to the fence. Naveen has not started well here. He has already conceded two boundaries.
Okay... another injury worry for the visitors! Evin Lewis is down on the ground and the physio has come out. There is some wailing from Lewis due to the pain but after some treatment and a bit of magic spray, he is back on his feet ready to go again!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Lendl Simmons. AAAH! Lewis is down in pain. Never saw that coming. Naveen bowls a slower one on the stumps and Simmons works it towards mid-wicket and takes off. Now, it looks like a simple single. But then, the throw from the fielder at the striker's end hits Lewis instead. His bat is down and so is he, in agony.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Lendl Simmons. FOUR! Too short and put away! It is outside off, Simmons waits for it since it is the slower one and then slaps it through cover-point. First boundary of the chase.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Lendl Simmons. Back of a length and on off, Simmons pushes it to covers.
Naveen-ul-Haq to bowl from the other end.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Lendl Simmons. On the pads, Simmons flicks it towards square leg and gets off the mark with a single. He will keep the strike. Solid start from Mujeeb, just a couple off his first.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Lendl Simmons. Oh! Once again beats the edge. Short and just outside off, not wide enough to cut. Simmons tries to do that but misses. Lendl is a lucky man as he does not edge it.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Lendl Simmons. Tossed up on off, Simmons keeps it out.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Lendl Simmons. Darted on the pads, Simmons looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. The keeper is a bit excited but he is the only one.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Lendl Simmons. Floated on off, Simmons pushes it to mid off.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Lendl Simmons. Mujeeb misses his line and sprays one down the leg side. Lendl looks to flick but misses. Wided by the umpire.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Lendl Simmons. Oh! Close start from Mujeeb to begin the innings. Mujeeb starts with a flatter delivery outside off, Simmons looks to play but misses. That was not far away from the outside edge.
The Afghanistan fielders are out in the middle. They are followed by the West Indies openers, Evin Lewis and a fit again, Lendl Simmons. The latter will be taking strike. Mujeeb Ur Rahman to start the proceedings with the ball.