10.10pm Whitewashed in the T20Is, but they've bounced back and how. The legend of Rashid Khan continues to get bigger. Another stunning performance from the teenager, who turned the game around in the matter of few deliveries. He triggered a wild slide that resulted in West Indies losing four wickets for one run. At 70 for 6, there was no looking back. Amidst the heroics, you shouldn't forget the efforts of Gulbadin Naib, whose late cameo lifted them past 200, and Javed Ahmadi, who held the innings together to make 81.
This, by the way, is Afghanistan's first win over a full-member outside of Zimbabwe. A year after they fist beat West Indies in the T20 format, at the World T20, they have slayed them in an ODI. If you're waking up in Kabul, Kandahar and the surrounding areas, you couldn't have asked for a better present. Terrific moment. Sure enough, they must all be celebrating already. The night is still young!
Presentation:
Rashid Khan dedicates his Player of the Match award to the victims of the Kabul attack: We really needed this after losing three consecutive T20Is," he says. "To perform on this big stage means a lot to me. The wicket wasn't great to score quickly. We bowled according to the plan and conditions. That made the difference. I want to dedicate this Man of the Match award to victims of the Kabul attacks. We're trying our best to bring back smiles and happiness and whatever way we can. Please keep all of us in your prayers.
Asghar Stanikzai: Very happy today. This is a big win. Our target was to get 220. We knew it was a tough wicket, that's why we chose to bat. Was confident of defending with out bowling attack. We're looking forward. We want to play positive cricket. Javed Ahmadi took responsibility, so congratulations to him. Rashid proved he's a matchwinner again.
Jason Holder: We weren't good enough. We lacked energy on the field, and we were no good with the bat. I don't think the intent was there when we batted. We batted ourselves into a hole. 20-odd in 10 overs in unacceptable. I hope this is a wake-up call for us.
Romal: "Fantastic cricket from Afghanistan. West Indies must be convinced why they aren't playing in the Champions Trophy."
Divyaamsh : "Rashid Khan - great job lad. I'm sure his name will be added to the list of greatest spinners, alongside Warne, Muralitharan, Saqlain Mushtaq, Kumble, D Vettori one day."
Khalil: "What will this loss do to Windies ODI rankings points?" They stand to lose points as they've been beaten by a side ranked lower than them. Before this game, the gap between then and Afghanistan was 35 points.
NplzFan: "I am feeling proud as an Associate fan.. Great job Rashid Khan. Afghanistan has made a history."
ML Cummins b Rashid Khan 5 (18b 0x4 0x6) SR: 27.77
Rashid from around the stumps
END OF OVER:44 | 4 Runs | WI: 149/9 (64 runs required from 36 balls, RR: 3.38, RRR: 10.66)
- Shannon Gabriel2 (5b)
- Miguel Cummins5 (14b)
- Gulbadin Naib8-0-31-1
- Rashid Khan8-1-18-6