-West Indies defeated Afghanistan by 23 runs
-West Indies 311 for 6; Afghanistan 288
-West Indies finish at 9th position whereas Afghanistan finish on the last place
West Indies beat Afghanistan in the match number 42 of the ICC World Cup 2019 on Thursday at Headingley in Leeds.
Afghanistan’s loss meant that they bowed out of the tournament with zero wins from nine matches.
Batting first, Windies posted 311/6. The Afghans failed to chase down the target, despite a valiant effort by Ikram Alikhil and Rahmat Shah.
How did the match pan out?
West Indies lost Chris Gayle early, but the other batsmen rallied around and contributed. The partnerships between Lewis/Hope and Pooran/Holder helped the side get past 300. Afghan spinners were effective today with all three bowlers conceding 50-plus runs each from their 10.
In reply, Afghanistan lost Gulbadin naib early, before Rahmat and Ikram got along.
Windies somehow managed to make a comeback.
Impressive feats for Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope
Nicholas Pooran (58) ended as the highest run-scorer for Windies in CWC19 (367). The left-handed batsman slammed his second fifty in the ongoing World Cup.
Shai Hope (77) slammed his third fifty in CWC 19. This was also his 13th career ODI fifty. Hope is now the fifth highest ODI run-scorer this year (859). This was Hope’s sixth fifty in 2019.
Windies posted their sixth highest total at Headingley
311/6 by Windies is now the sixth highest ODI total at Headingley in Leeds.
Hope’s 77 is the second best by a West Indian at this venue after Gordon Greenidge and Larry Gomes (78 each). This was the third score of 300-plus by WI in CWC 19.
Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah (62) notched his maiden World Cup fifty. It was also his 15th career ODI fifty.
Better luck next time Afghanistans.
It is my last World Cup unless West Indies give me 2 years of rest: Chris Gayle
Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle, who has now featured in 5 World Cups for West Indies, wore the look of a satisfied man after his side beat Afghanistan in their last match of the tournament as he nears the end of his career.
“Would’ve loved to lift the trophy, but it didn’t happen but at the same time it was fun, enjoyed it. All the guys rallied around me, got the support of the youngsters. Must commend the staff for the work ethics they’ve put in. Words can’t explain my feeling at the moment honestly,” said Gayle.
Looking ahead Gayle still plans to feature in the series at home against India which will follow soon after the World Cup.
