ICC Qualifier Final: Afghanistan beat West Indies by 7 wickets
What's the story
Afghanistan's stock in world cricket is on rise. The Afghans not only qualified for the ICC 2019 World Cup but also managed to beat West Indies by 7 wickets in the final of World Cup Qualifier at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday. The West Indies were bowled out for 204 and Afghanistan wasted no time and chased down the target with ease.
Thrashing
Mujeeb Ur Rahman's 4 wicket-haul destroys the Windies
Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the star for Afghanistan, as he bagged 4 wickets. He ensured that the West Indies could not even bat through their quota of 50 overs. Rovman Powell was the top scorer for the West Indies, scoring 44 valuable runs to take the Caribbean side to 204. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan could manage only one wicket in his 9 overs.
Data
Rashid Khan becomes quickest to 100 ODI wickets
Afghanistan's star leg-spinner Rashid Khan scripted history by becoming the fastest bowler to pick 100 ODI wickets. He achieved the feat in 44 matches, eclipsing Mitchell Starc's record. Starc had reached the three-digit mark in 52 games.
Light work
Afghanistan chase down target in 40 overs
Afghanistan chased down the total with ease, thanks to Mohammad Shahzad's brilliant 84 off 93 balls. His innings included 11 fours and 2 sixes. Rahmat Shah also aided Shahzad, with his superb half century. But the icing on the cake was Mohammad Nabi clobbering Chris Gayle for three consecutive sixes to finish the match. Afghans chased down the target with 56 balls to spare.