ICC World Cup Qualifiers, Final, Preview: Windies face confident Afghanistan in the title clash

Both the sides are relieved after qualifying for the World Cup but would want to win the game with the title at stake.

Published - 24 Mar 2018, 18:00 IST | Updated - 24 Mar 2018, 18:00 IST

2 Min Read

Afghanistan and Windies will lock horns in the final of the ongoing ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe after booking their ticket for the marquee event next year in England. The road to the World Cup was not easy for both the teams as they had work extremely hard and also needed a stroke of luck. While Windies won against Scotland by just 5 runs by DLS method, Afghanistan beat Ireland by 5 wickets in the last over. However, the final will be no less than a thriller as both the teams would love to win with the title at stake.

Jason Holder led Carribean side were clinical during the group stages as they won all their matches quite comfortably. But they stuttered in the Super Sixes and succumbed to a shocking loss to Afghanistan. However, they recovered from the blow and trumped the hosts Zimbabwe and Scotland in rather close encounters. They would be eyeing a perfect outing in the final at Harare Sports Club and go back home with a smile on their face.

Luck played a huge part for Afghanistan to be at this stage as they were completely below par in the initial stages of the tournament. They qualified for Super Sixes only because Nepal won famously against Hong Kong and then needed UAE to go past Zimbabwe to have any chance of going through. Both the things went their way and they didn’t disappoint by playing superb cricket against Ireland. They have defeated Windies in this tournament earlier and would be confident of doing it again.

Playing Combination

Afghanistan

The return of their skipper Asghar Stanikzai helped the Blue Tigers regain their winning momentum and he also played a match-winning knock against Ireland the other day. He played with a lot of pain in his stomach though and he might be rested for the encounter. Nasir Jamal might replace him in the middle order as the remainder of the line-up should be same. Mohammad Shahzad is in great form and with the experience of Mohammad Nabi, the batting looks sorted.

Also, Dawlat Zadran has stepped up to the plate big time as Rashid Khan has come back in form with the ball at the right time.

Probable XI: Asghar Stanikzai (c)/ Nasir Jamal, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shenwari, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Windies

Windies have more issues than their counterparts with their batting line-up not clicking consistently. Chris Gayle’s form remains to be a concern for them but he is too good a player to be dropped in the final. The likes of Marlon Samuels and Evin Lewis have played well even as Shai Hope has failed most of the times barring a half-century against Zimbabwe.

Jason Holder has led admirably well throughout the tournament and his all-round skills have come to the fore big time. Even Kemar Roach has delivered key wickets with the youngster Keemo Paul also bowling well.

Probable XI: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Marlon Samuels, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach

Head to Head

Played – 4 Afghanistan– 2 Windies – 1 NR– 1

Focus will be on

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Rashid Khan, the No. 1 bowler in the World, would want to make his impact in the final of the tournament. He was woefully out of form while leading the side in the initial stages as they lost their first three matches. But ever since he has been relieved of the extra responsibility, Rashid has been picking wickets regularly. Even in the final, all eyes will be on him and a lot will depend on his performance.

Chris Gayle (Windies)

The big man is due for a sensational knock and what better than scoring it in the final? Everybody is aware of the threat he possesses and if he stays at the wicket for more than 20 overs, Windies will surely win the title. Even Gayle realises that he needs to play a significant knock for his team to beat Afghanistan who are riding high on confidence. It should be a fascinating contest between him and Rashid but Gayle has to spend time in the middle for longer periods for that to happen.