2019 Cricket World Cup

Afghanistan aim for maiden World Cup win against Windies 

Unable to register even a single win in the ongoing World Cup so far, Afghanistan would aim to end tournament on a high when they face West Indies in their final group stage encounter at Headingley

Unable to register even a single win in the ongoing World Cup so far, Afghanistan would aim to end tournament on a high when they face West Indies in their final group stage encounter at Headingley on Thursday.

The Afghanistan team came close to defeat India and Pakistan in their last two matches. However, their inability to cash-in on the crucial junctures of the game denied them with the opportunity of causing what would have been the biggest upsets in this edition of the World Cup.

Published: 04 Jul 2019, 10:59 AM IST

While the spinners -- Mujeeb ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi -- have lived up to their reputation with consistent performances throughout the tournament, the fast bowlers and the batting unit have failed to contribute significantly to the team's cause, a main reason for their dismal performance so far.

However, against West Indies, they will feel confident as they have beaten them thrice in four completed matches.

West Indies, on the other hand, have failed to produce an all-round performance, barring their opening match victory against Pakistan where they bundled out the Green Brigade for mere 105.

Published: 04 Jul 2019, 10:59 AM IST

The batsmen have failed to contribute consistently and the bowlers too have been guilty of coming out with only one plan against their opponents, making them almost ineffective on England pitches.

Despite some good individual performances, Windies have failed to put up a significant total due to the lack of partnerships. That's why, skipper Jason Holder will look to inspire his team to play with full intensity in their final game and end what has been a disappointing tournament on a high.

Published: 04 Jul 2019, 10:59 AM IST

Squads:

Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib (c), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah (wk), Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Ikram Ali Khil

West Indies: Jason Holder (c), Chris Gayle, Kemar Roach, Darren Bravo, Sunil Ambris, Shai Hope (wk), Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shannon Gabriel, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Shimron Hetmyer, Fabian Allen, Oshane Thomas, Nicholas Pooran

Published: 04 Jul 2019, 10:59 AM IST

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Published: 04 Jul 2019, 10:59 AM IST