The final match of the three match T20 International series saw the West Indies team taking home a spirited win over Afghanistan. The Men in Maroon had already conceded the series after losing the first two matches at the Dubai International Stadium in the UAE and were therefore playing for pride and improvement in the final encounter.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to field first. In the previous matches of the series, Afghanistan batted first and secured comfortable victories. However, Khan explained that the decision was intended to give his team a different challenge as they prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup next month.
After being sent in, the West Indies reached 43 for one at the end of the powerplay. Series captain Brandon King showed resilience with the bat, scoring 47 off 35 deliveries. Outside of King’s contribution, runs proved difficult to accumulate. Useful cameos from Matthew Forde, who scored 27 off 11 balls, and Shamar Springer, who added 16 off nine balls, helped the West Indies post 151 for seven from their 20 overs, the highest total recorded in the series.
In response, Afghanistan made a strong start through an opening partnership of 74 runs between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. The West Indies fought back with disciplined bowling and timely wickets, slowing the scoring rate and bringing the match back into contention. One of the defining moments came through Shamar Springer’s bowling performance. The Barbadian claimed a hat trick in the 19th over, swinging the momentum firmly in West Indies’ favour.
With Afghanistan requiring 20 runs from the final over, young Ramon Romario Simmonds defended the total superbly, securing a 15 run victory and earning the West Indies their first ever win at the venue.
Despite surrendering the series, the West Indies will hope to carry this momentum into their next assignment against South Africa on January 27. The upcoming series against the Proteas will be their final bilateral engagement before heading to the subcontinent for the ICC T20 World Cup.
