Sunday turned out to be a historic event for Afghanistan as the team pulled off a dramatic 7-wicket win over West Indies in ICC World Cup qualifying final at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.
After a poor show in the group stage, the team has made a great comeback after beating Ireland in Super 6 match and booking their seats in ICC World Cup 2019.
They've done it! ??
Afghanistan complete one of the most improbable turnarounds, qualifying for the @cricketworldcup and lifting the #CWCQ trophy!#WIvAFG scorecard ➡ https://t.co/Cy2DXv5ibd pic.twitter.com/lGRSlzQhh5
— ICC (@ICC) March 25, 2018
Leg-spinner Rashid Khan became the fastest bowler in the cricket history to take 100 one-day international wickets as the West Indies while 16-year-old Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 4 wickets as the West Indies were bowled out for 204.
Opening batsman Mohammad Shahzad scored 84 runs, while Rahmat Shah hit his 11th ODI half-century to lift the winning trophy after scoring 206 runs in just 40.4 overs.
In his 93-ball innings, Shahzad smashed 11 fours and two sixes as he was finally named the Player of the Match.
Congratulations to the #CWCQ final Player of the Match, @MShahzad077! ? #WIvAFG pic.twitter.com/hvqhQIGdgz
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 25, 2018
While star batsman Chris Gayle had a poor tournament as he scored only 10 runs against the Asian minnows.
From Carribieans side only Rowman Powell scored 44 runs to take his team’s score past 200.
ALSO READ: Match fixing in Ajman All Stars League, Shame for the cricket fraternity
Post the victory, Asghar Stanikzai said, “I can’t express how happy they [fans] will be back home.” “Everyone likes and supports this game back home.”
He said that the team had very low chance of winning of qualifying but after receiving massive support from the fans they can make their dream come true.
This is the #SpiritOfCricket. pic.twitter.com/ey8mTCDMK4
— ICC (@ICC) March 25, 2018
Brief Scores: