Afghanistan vs West Indies: 2nd T20I, Preview- One final chance for Rashid Khan and Co to redeem themselves

Evin Lewis, who was recently traded by Mumbai Indians, looked in sublime touch in the first T20I.

Published - 15 Nov 2019, 15:44 IST | Updated - 15 Nov 2019, 15:44 IST

2 Min Read

After cruising to a 30-run victory against Afghanistan in the first T20I, West Indies will be eager to gain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. After showing glimpses of their strength in both departments in the first T20I, Kieron Pollard and Co will aim to recreate their performance. West Indies will lock horns with Afghanistan in the second T20I on Saturday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Uttar Pradesh.

Evin Lewis, who was recently moved to RR, looked in sublime touch in the first T20I as he smashed 68 runs off 41 balls to propel his side to post a competitive total on the board. He was joined by Kieron Pollard in the later stages of the match, where the all-rounder scored 32 runs off 22 balls to help Windies to post 14 runs on the scoreboard. Pollard also played a crucial role with the ball, scalping two wickets while conceding 17 runs. Kesrick Williams was the pick of West Indies’ bowling attack as he scalped three wickets to dismantle Afghanistan’s batting line-up.

On the other hand, Afghanistan, who failed to deliver consistent performances in the recently-concluded ODI series against West Indies, did not manage to turn their fortunes around. Rashid Khan and Co kept losing wickets at regular intervals as the sie could only gather 134 runs on the board.

Gulbadin Naib, who claimed 2/24 after missing the last two ODIs, emerged as the best performer for Afghanistan. Najibullah Zadran attempted to rescue his side from the jaws of defeat by playing a knock of 27 runs off 22 balls. However, the Afghanistan batting force failed to stitch any long partnerships in the middle.

Afghanistan have been affected due to string dismal performances. After getting whitewashed in the ODI series against West Indies, Rashid Khan and his troops will be aiming to redeem themselves in the second T20 International to stay alive in the T20I series.

Team Combinations

Afghanistan

Failing to stitch crucial partnerships, Afghanistan kept losing their wickets at regular intervals. Afghanistan will be relying on their batting line-up comprising of Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan and Ikram Alikhil to fire off in the second T20I. Rashid Khan will also be under pressure to live up to his expectations.

Probable XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Javed Ahmadi/Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Asghar Afghan, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (C), Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

West Indies

An all-round display in both the departments was a key element in West Indies’ victory in the first T20I. With an objective to recreate such performance, Pollard and Co are doubtful to make any changes to their formidable line-up in the second ODI.

Probable XI: Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh Jr, Sheldon Cottrell, Alzarri Joseph, Kesrick Williams.

Focus will be on

Evin Lewis (West Indies)

Evin Lewis, who delivered a match-winning performance in the first T20I is expected to replicate his performance. The left-hander smashed 68 runs off 41 balls to help his team get to a flying start. Kieron Pollard will also be aiming to contribute to both the departments. Pollard was also named ‘Player of the Match’ in the first T20I.

Gulbadin Naib (Afghanistan)

After an unimpressive bowling performance by the duo of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan, Afghanistan will be relying on Gulbadin Naib, who was the best pick amongst their bowlers. Najibullah Zardan and Asghar Afghan are expected to steer Afghanistan’s batting force.