Rasooli, Atal, Mujeeb Lead Afghanistan to Series Victory
In a remarkable display of cricket, Afghanistan secured a T20I series victory over the West Indies by 39 runs. The match took place recently, with Afghanistan setting a target of 190 runs at 189 for 4, thanks to impressive contributions from their batters. Darwish Rasooli scored 68 runs, while Zahir Atal added 53 runs to help their team build a solid foundation.
Key Performances of Rasooli, Atal, and Mujeeb
The highlight of Afghanistan’s innings was a significant third-wicket partnership of 115 runs between Rasooli and Atal. Both players showcased their talent, anchoring the middle overs effectively to maintain the team’s momentum. Rasooli attained his fifty in just 22 balls, marking his third consecutive half-century in T20I matches.
- Darwish Rasooli: 68 runs off 39 balls
- Zahir Atal: 53 runs off 42 balls
In response, the West Indies struggled to chase down the target. Mujeeb Zadran emerged as the match-winner, capturing four wickets for just 21 runs. His impactful bowling included a stunning spell where he took four wickets in the span of five deliveries, decimating the West Indies batting squad.
Mujeeb’s Bowling Brilliance
Mujeeb’s excellent bowling performance was instrumental in restricting the West Indies to 150 runs. His wickets included notable dismissals, such as Evin Lewis and Brandon King, the latter scoring 50 runs before falling to Mujeeb’s skill. The West Indies began their chase poorly, and lost their opener, Alick Athanaze, early on. The Powerplay yielded only 29 runs, putting them on the back foot.
- West Indies total: 150 all out
- Top scorer: Brandon King – 50 runs
Despite a valiant effort from Shimron Hetmyer, who scored 46 runs in just 17 balls, the West Indies collapsed late in their innings. They lost five wickets for a mere 27 runs, showcasing the effectiveness of Afghanistan’s bowlers.
Afghanistan’s Dominance in T20I Series
This victory marked Afghanistan’s third consecutive T20I series win, highlighting their growing prominence in the format. The teams are set to face each other again on Thursday for Afghanistan’s final T20I before heading into the T20 World Cup.
As the West Indies prepare for their upcoming tour of South Africa, they will aim for a consolation win in the next match. Meanwhile, Afghanistan looks to build on this momentum as they position themselves ahead of the global tournament.
