Afghanistan posted an incredible all-round performance that helped them win the second T20 match against West Indies by 39 runs. Their batting performance was followed by an incredible spell by their bowler, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Afghanistan Innings: Rasooli and Atal lay the Foundation

Afghanistan started off on a decent note after being asked to bat, scoring 54 runs in the power play, losing two wickets in the process. Though the West Indies got initial breakthroughs, the Afghans ensured they got runs, and they reached 50 in 5.4 overs, courtesy of some extras.

During the drinks break, Afghanistan were in a very strong position at 85/2, with Sediqullah Atal and Darwish Rasooli holding the innings together. They continued to get the innings back on track by scoring a crucial 50 for the third wicket in just 33 balls.
Rasooli scored on his side’s part to reach a fluent fifty in 27 deliveries, with four fours and two sixes. Atal played his role to perfection on his side’s part to stabilize the innings before he also scored his fifty in 38 deliveries with two fours and three sixes.

Their partnership reached the 100-run mark as Afghanistan accelerated beyond 150 in 16.2 overs. Late cameos from Azmatullah Omarzai (26) and Mohammad Nabi (7) made it a respectable total, although the team suffered for the slow over rate as eight runs could not be scored off the last over.

Afghanistan concluded the 20-over challenge with 189/4.

West Indies Innings: Mujeeb Spins a Web

Chasing 190, West Indies found it difficult right from the start, faced with Afghanistan's disciplined bowling attack. West Indies could score only 29 runs in the power play, losing one wicket in the process.

The Caribbean team reached 50 in 9.3 overs, but frequent wickets reduced them to a precarious state. The halfway point saw West Indies reach 59/3, the required run rate continuously increasing.
Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer attempted to give their side a boost through their opening assault, scoring 50 runs in 28 balls, adding fire to their struggling innings through their fourth wicket. Later on, King scored a hard-fought 50 out of 40 balls, including two fours and four sixes.

The turning point of the match was a magnificent spell of bowling by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who blew away the middle order with ease. The off-spinner gave a stunning display, bagging a hat-trick and reducing the West Indies middle order to ashes. Mujeeb clinched an astonishing 4 wickets, conceding 21 runs in the process.

Although West Indies reached 150 in 18.4 overs, they could not extend their inning and got bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs, thereby falling short of the target by 39 runs.

Player of the Match

Mujeeb Ur Rahman rightfully received the Player of the Match award for his annihilating performance of 4 wickets for 21 runs that included a match-winning hat trick

Conclusion

With a commanding win in the second T20I, Afghanistan showcased their growing strength in T20 cricket. Strong batting partnerships and Mujeeb’s magical spell ensured a comprehensive victory, underlining Afghanistan’s dominance over West Indies in the series.