Zadran, Rasooli power Afghanistan to commanding win over West Indies

On Sunday, Afghanistan beat West Indies at the Under-19 World Cup in Windhoek.

- 

Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli were part of a 162-run partnership (ACB)

On Monday, the senior side followed suit, producing a similarly clinical performance against West Indies ahead of the T20 World Cup next month.On a Dubai pitch that assisted the slower bowlers, Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 87 off 56 balls and Darwish Rasooli’s 84 powered Afghanistan to an imposing 181 for 3. Zadran revealed at the innings break that the total was around 20 runs more than what the team had targeted after the powerplay.

The score proved more than sufficient as West Indies struggled for timing against Afghanistan’s spin attack. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad shared six wickets between them, squeezing the chase and ensuring a comfortable 38-run victory.

Afghanistan found themselves in early trouble after losing two wickets in quick succession. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out off the first ball, beaten by Gukesh Motie’s direct hit as he fell short of his ground at the non-striker’s end. Sediqullah Atal departed soon after, punching a short ball straight to Brandon King, who pulled off a superb one-handed catch at first slip.