2nd T20I, Lucknow, November 16, 2019, 06:00 PM
Afghanistan
147/7(20ov)
West Indies
106/8(20ov)
Afghanistan beat West Indies by 41 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Karim Janat
Commentry
Okay! 1-1 means we have a decider! And not much time to turn around as well. Because the third and final T20I is slotted on Sunday, 17th November 2019, at 7 pm local (1330 GMT) at this very same venue. Bat first because of the slow and low pitch? Or chase, due to the dewy conditions? Let the teams decide. For now, we take your leave. Join us for the decider. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Victorious Afghanistan captain, Rashid Khan, says that dew does not have too much of an effect here. Lauds his world-class bowling team and is proud to have defended 147. On the score they made, Rashid says that it is a difficult ground to bat on, with large boundaries, hence, 140-145 was the plan in mind, before going out to bat. Admits that it was a much-needed win for his side and believes that it has earned some much-needed momentum to go into the final.
KARIM JANAT HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Not only for his 5/11 but also for his crucial cameo of 26 from 18 with the bat. Rashid Khan comes across as a translator. On his performance in this game, Karim thanks the crowd for the support and says that being the 12th man in the previous games was a big learning opportunity for him. Hence, he was ready, as to whenever he got a chance, he could deliver. On the ideal line and length to bowl on this wicket, Janat says that while batting, he got an idea about those and figured out that good length area was the key one.
West Indies captain, Kieron Pollard, is not unhappy at all with his bowlers, praising Kesrick Williams, in spite of the poor Powerplay and a poor couple of overs at the death. Laments a poor show with the bat instead, pointing to a poor Powerplay. Admits that two wickets back-to-back hurt them badly. Quickly says that they have got 24 hours to turn things around and hopes that his team comes out refreshed on Sunday. Also, he wants to see how the guys react in a final. Smilingly says that if it had been 2-0, the players could have been relaxed. On a serious note, Pollard wants his guys to learn from this game's mistakes and sharpen their skills.
West Indies never got going with their batting, which had a similar shape to that of the Afghans. Just the one difference. Hazratullah Zazai. His 15-ball 26 probably shook the Windies' line and length in the first innings and that opening stand of 42 in 26 balls proved to be the decisive factor. Afghanistan made 52 in the Powerplay thanks to the blazing start but then limped to 147. Without a doubt, Karim Janat should be the Man Of The Match, but will Zazai get a thought? Stay tuned for the presentation...
The pitch was already dying down in the first innings and it was never going to get better. West Indies relied heavily on the dew but the Afghans were prepared. Mujeeb and Naveen suffocated the Caribbeans at the top, bowling a combined 20 dots in 6 overs and that showed in a poor Powerplay total of 29/1. Then Karim Janat came along and with his maiden 5-fer, blew the Maroons away. Incidentally, these are the best figures in T20Is against West Indies!
Stand up. Raise your hands and then pat with those hands on your own back, if you believed that 147 was a par, forget winning total, at the innings break. But Afghanistan have made us believe and outclassed the Windies.
Done and dusted. Roles reversed. Afghanistan smile at last. They have beaten the West Indies after 4 unsuccessful attempts in this tour. 2-0 did we say? Cannot say so now. Dew. What dew? A win was due instead.
19.6
1
On the pads of Ramdin, he works this one towards mid-wicket and takes a single. That will be it as AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 41 RUNS!
Kesrick Williams comes out to bat.
19.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Celebrations are underway and the shirt almost comes off for Naib! He bowls a length ball on off, Walsh goes for a wild heave but skies the ball towards deep mid-wicket. Rashid Khan there runs across to his right, settles under it and completes a very good catch. Delight for Afghanistan.
19.4
.
Full and wide outside off, Walsh has a huge swing at it but misses.
19.4
1wd
Wide! Slower one by Naib but way outside off. Walsh tries to make contact but fails.
19.3
1
Another short ball, Ramdin hooks again but this time it goes on the bounce to the man at deep backward square leg for a single.
19.2
4
FOUR! Another bouncer but this time Ramdin pulls this away towards backward square leg for a boundary.
19.1
.
Bouncer outside off, Ramdin pulls this one but straight back towards the bowler.
Gulbadin Naib to bowl the last over of the game.
In over# 1
2
0
0
0
1
4
Naveen-ul-Haq 19/1(3)
18.6
2
This time Walsh connects. The ball travels to the deep mid-wicket region where the fielder does well to mop it up and keep it down to two.
18.5
.
Another length ball on off, Walsh again tries the wild heave but misses.
18.4
.
Length ball on middle and off, Walsh pushes it back to the bowler.
18.3
.
Length ball outside off, Walsh looks to heave at it but misses.
18.2
1
On the pads of Ramdin, he flicks this one towards deep square leg region for a single.
18.1
4
FOUR! Wide outside off, Ramdin slashes at it and the ball flies to the point fence for a boundary. Runs coming too little too late for the Windies.
Naveen-ul-Haq is back on. 2-0-12-1, his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1wd
0W
1
Karim Janat 11/5(4)
17.6
.
Played to the point region by the batsman. No runs taken.
17.5
1
Length ball on off, Ramdin pushes it towards cover and sets off for a single. However, the ball goes straight to the man. He has a shy towards the bowler's end but misses. Had he hit, Ramdin was gone for all money.
17.4
.
Length ball on middle and off, Ramdin looks to push it towards the off side but the ball comes off the inside edge and hits him on the pads.
17.3
1
Full and on the off side, Walsh drives this one towards cover for a single to get off the mark.
17.3
1wd
WIDE. Where did that land? Full and miles outside off, almost outside the pitch, left alone. Goes all along the ground to the keeper. Could have been a no ball, it was that wide.
Who is in to face the music? Hayden Walsh, by the looks of it.
17.2
W
OUT! BOWLED! Dragged on and it is a Michelle for Karim! Well bowled, younger Afghan. He has hit the Windies by storm. Full and outside off, Paul looks to swing hard but there is no bounce on that one. The ball takes the inside edge and hits the timber. 3.2-0-8-5. Take a bow, young man.
17.1
1
Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
Karim Janat returns. 3-0-7-4 so far.
In over# 1
1
1wd
2
0
0
0
1
Rashid Khan 25/1(4)
16.6
1
Floated on middle and off, Ramdin pushes this one down towards long on. He retains the strike for the next over. West Indies need 60 runs off 18 balls.
16.6
1wd
Wide! Down the leg side, Ramdin looks to go for the sweep but misses.
16.5
2
Ramdin punches this one off the back foot towards extra cover for a couple. West Indies need boundaries.
16.4
.
Floated on middle and off, Ramdin sweeps this one towards square leg for one.
16.3
.
On middle and off, Ramdin has smashed that one straight back towards the bowler. Rashid sticks his right hand for a catch but can't hold onto it.
16.2
.
Ramdin goes for a wild heave over long on but misses it completely.
16.1
1
Floated on off, Paul lofts this one over the covers for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Gulbadin Naib 15/0(2)
15.6
1
On off, slammed towards long on for a run. Six singles off the over.
15.5
1
Denesh pulls this time for a single towards deep mid-wicket.
15.4
1
Shortish in length, Paul pulls this away towards long on for a single.
15.3
1
This time Ramdin turns it towards deep square leg for a run.
15.2
1
Again on the pads, Paul lofts this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
15.1
1
On the pads of Ramdin, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket and takes a run.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
6
0W
Rashid Khan 20/1(3)
14.6
.
Floats one on off, defended off the back foot by the batsman.
14.5
.
Huge appeal for a caught behind! Gurbaz is jumping up and down in excitement while Rashid has almost reached the striker's end in joy. Now, they realize they have to appeal. And they do. But the umpire is unmoved. Full and outside off, turning away, Paul looks to defend but misses. There is a sound as the ball passes the bat and Gurbaz appeals in happiness Replays show that the bat hit the ground. Top decision.
14.4
1
On the pads of Ramdin, he flicks it towards the leg side for a single.
14.3
1
Around middle, worked through mid on for a single.
14.2
6
SIX! SMASH! What a start to the innings! Full and outside off, Paul gets down on a knee and nails the slog sweep over mid-wicket!
Keemo Paul is the next man in.
14.1
W
OUT! STUMPED! Rashid works his magic now. Spots Holder coming down the track and floats a ball wide outside off. It turns away and Holder completely misses it. He swings wildly but is nowhere near the ball. Easy stumping for Rahmanullah Gurbaz. 79 needed from 35 balls now. Game over?
In over# 1
1
4
1
1
1
1
Gulbadin Naib 9/0(1)
13.6
1
It's a clean strike over mid wicket by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
13.5
4
FOUR! Handy runs! Bouncer down the leg side, Holder looks to hook but is too early into the shot. However, the ball goes off the back of his bat over short fine leg for a boundary. Not how Holder wanted it but the result is the same.
13.4
1
Another short ball but this stays very low. Ramdin awkwardly pulls this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
13.3
1
Length ball outside off, Holder pulls it towards mid-wicket for a single.
13.2
1
Ramdin flicks this one towards mid-wicket for one.
13.1
1
Length ball outside off, Holder guides this one towards third man for one.
Gulbadin Naib comes on to bowl now.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
4
Rashid Khan 12/0(2)
12.6
.
Outside off, pushed straight to point.
12.5
.
Full and wide outside off, Ramdin reaches out to slash but gets a bottom edge, which bounces over the stumps! Good take by the keeper.
12.4
.
Outside off, punched back down the ground. Rashid is running to his left but adjusts well to get across to his right to stop it.
12.3
1
Around off, worked through mid on for a single.
12.2
.
Around off, punched back to the bowler.
12.1
4
FOUR! SUBLIME! Long levers and the usage is seen to good effect. Tossed up outside off, Holder reaches out, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it through the covers. Najibullah Zadran is present at short extra cover but he misfields. Costly one. 89 more needed from 47 balls.
In over# 1
1
0W
1
0
1
0
Karim Janat 7/4(3)
11.6
1
Outside off, Holder pushes this one towards cover. The man there, Nabi, dives to his right and stops the ball. However, he throws it towards the bowler's end for a direct hit but misses and due to no backup, the batters steal a run.
Jason Holder walks out next to bat. Will we see some fireworks from the former West Indies skipper?
11.5
W
OUT! LBW! HUGE WICKET! Maybe the biggest of them all as the skipper departs! Janat bowls another cutter from outside off, angling in. Pollard shuffles and looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Karim along with his whole team puts in a loud shout and the umpire raises his finger. Huge breakthrough and half the Windies side back in the hut now.
11.4
1
On middle and off, Ramdin pushes this one towards mid on for one.
11.3
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
11.2
1
NOT OUT! Good fielding by the Afghanistan players. Pollard pushes this one towards mid-wicket for a single and sets off. The man there dives and grabs the ball. Pollard continues to run. The fielder goes for the direct hit and hits the stumps at the bowler's end but Pollard is well in. Good backup too by the other fielder not allowing the batters to take extra runs. The appeal is taken upstairs but replays confirm the result pretty quickly.
Run out appeal taken upstairs. Pollard is the man in question. Looks safe though.
11.1
.
Length ball outside off, Pollard pushes it towards mid off.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
4
0
Rashid Khan 7/0(1)
10.6
1
Outside off, stays low, Pollard looks to punch it through the off side but the low bounce takes the inside edge and goes through mid-wicket for a run.
10.5
1
Short and outside off, cut through the covers for a single.
10.4
.
Outside off, pushed straight to point.
10.3
1
Around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
10.2
4
FOUR! Cracking shot. Full and outside off, tossed up, Pollard leans and lofts it over cover. Naveen-ul-Haq races to his left from long off and dives valiantly, but after the ball crosses the boundary. Too far from him.
10.1
.
Landed outside off, punched towards the bowler.
Denesh Ramdin walks out next to bat. There is also a bowling change. Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan finally takes the ball in his hand. Can he weave his magic around?
In over# 1
0W
0
0W
1
0
2
Karim Janat 4/3(2)
9.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one goes down for the Windies and looks like Afghanistan are getting their mojo back. Length ball on off, angling away from Rutherford. He looks to push it straight down the ground but only manages to get a faint outside edge on it. The ball carries to Gurbaz and he takes an easy catch. Can this be the turning point? West Indies need 103 off 60 balls now!
9.5
.
Fuller ball on off, Rutherford pushes it back to the bowler.
Kieron Pollard, the hard-hitting West Indian skipper comes out to bat.
9.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! The destructive opener, Evin Lewis returns to the hut and Afghanistan in with a really strong shout now. Janat bowls a length ball outside off, Lewis looks to pull it towards the on side but the slowness on the ball deceives him. The ball comes off the top edge of the bat and skies towards long on. Ibrahim Zadran runs in and takes in a very good catch. Big setback for West Indies.
9.3
1
Fuller on off, pushed towards cover for a single.
9.2
.
Outside off, Rutherford plays this one towards the man at point.
9.1
2
On the pads, Rutherford flicks this one towards square leg for a couple.
In over# 1
1
1
0
4
1
0
Mohammad Nabi 18/0(3)
8.6
1
Rutherford cuts this one towards the man at point for a single. Retains strike for the next over.
8.5
1
Lewis plays the same sweep shot again but this time there is a man in the deep. Only a single taken.
8.4
.
Shortish outside off, Lewis cuts this one but the man at point dives to his left and saves runs for his team.
8.3
4
FOUR! Swept away! On the pads, Lewis gets down on one knee and powerfully sweeps it behind square for a boundary.
8.2
1
On the pads of Rutherford, he flicks this one towards square leg for one.
8.1
.
Floated on off, pushed back towards the bowler.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0W
0
Karim Janat 1/1(1)
7.6
.
Length delivery on off, Lewis plays it to covers.
7.5
1
On a length on middle, Rutherford flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends.
7.4
.
Length delivery on middle, Rutherford flicks it to the leg side.
7.3
.
BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Rutherford looks to defend but misses it.
Sherfane Rutherford walks out to bat early than expected.
7.2
W
OUT! LBW! West Indies lose their second wicket. But was that a harsh call? Good length delivery on leg, Hetmyer looked to flick but missed and got hit on the pads. The bowler appealed for lbw and the umpire raised his finger! Now, Afghanistan are cock-a-hoop. Here comes the replay with the pitching map. PITCHED OUTSIDE LEG! When form is not on your side, luck deserts you as well. Tough luck for Hetmyer.
7.1
.
On a good length on middle, Hetmyer defends it out.
Karim Janat comes on now.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
1
1
Mohammad Nabi 11/0(2)
6.6
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Hetmyer drives it through mid on. The batsmen take a run.
6.5
1
Short delivery on middle, Lewis pulls it over square leg. The batsmen take a single.
6.4
.
Flighted delivery on off, Evin plays it to point.
6.3
1
Short delivery outside off, Hetmyer cuts it through point. The batsmen take a single.
6.2
1
Tossed up delivery on off, Lewis guides it towards third man. The batsmen cross ends.
6.1
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Hetmyer drives it through mid on. The batsmen take a run.
In over# 1
0
1
1lb
1
0
1wd
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman 10/0(3)
5.6
.
Mujeeb angles one into the batter, Lewis pushes it back to the bowler. End of the Powerplay and the Windies are 29/1. At the same stage, Afghanistan were 52/2. Huge difference!
5.5
1
Hetmyer flicks this one towards short fine leg and takes a single.
5.4
1lb
Loud appeal this time but no luck for Afghanistan. Lewis shuffles across and looks to paddle this one down towards fine leg. Lewis misses and is hit on the pads. Mujeeb appeals loudly but the umpire shakes his head. Replays roll in and it seems like a close call. In the meantime, the batters sneak through for a leg bye.
5.3
1
Lewis works this one down the leg side for a single.
5.2
.
Dragged back by Mujeeb, Lewis pushes this one towards mid off.
5.2
1wd
Wide! Down the leg side, Lewis looks to flick but misses.
5.1
1
Almost onto the stumps! Shortish on off, Lewis looks to push this one towards the off side but gets an inside edge on it. The ball rolls towards fine leg, just missing the leg pole and the batters take one.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman has a change of ends. 2-0-6-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1
4
0
0
Mohammad Nabi 6/0(1)
4.6
1
Floated on off, Lewis plays the sweep shot towards square leg for one.
4.5
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
4.4
1
On the pads, flicked towards mid-wicket for single.
4.3
4
FOUR! Punched! Shortish and wide outside off, Hetmyer punches it through covers for a boundary.
4.2
.
On the pads this time, flicked towards the mid-wicket region.
4.1
.
Floated on middle, pushed back to the left of the bowler.
Mohammad Nabi is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
0W
2
0
0
0
Naveen-ul-Haq 12/1(2)
3.6
1
On the pads of Hetmyer, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
Shimron Hetmyer is the new batsman in.
3.5
W
OUT! TIMBER! King departs and Naveen-ul-Haq strikes! Length ball outside off, Naveen bowls a cutter. The ball stays a touch low after pitching and angles back in. King looks to go for a wild heave again, misses again, but Naveen hits and the Windies lose their first wicket.
3.4
2
Good length ball on middle and off, Brandon drives it straight back past the bowler. Asghar runs across to his right from mid off, slides and parries it towards mid on. The batters take a couple.
3.3
.
Length ball outside off, King guides this one towards short third man.
3.2
.
Length ball wide outside off, King goes for a wild heave but misses the ball completely.
3.1
.
Naveen bowls one on the leg side, King flicks it towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman 6/0(2)
2.6
1
King flicks it away with a wristy shot towards mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single.
2.5
1
Lewis punches this one off the back foot towards extra cover for one.
2.4
.
Appeal turned down! Floated on leg, Lewis looks to sweep this one but misses. He is hit on the pads and the Afghanistan players appeal. The umpire is unmoved though.
2.3
.
Shortish and outside off, Lewis cuts but not powerful enough to beat the man at backward point.
2.2
1
On the pads, King works this one towards square leg for a single.
2.1
.
King prods forward and defends this floated ball back towards the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
4
1
0
4
Naveen-ul-Haq 9/0(1)
1.6
.
Fuller on off, pushed to the man at mid on.
1.5
.
Short again, Lewis looks to pull again but this time mistimes it. The ball falls short of the fielder at mid on. Could have easily been a wicket this.
1.4
4
FOUR! Short of a length on middle, Evin Lewis rocks back and pulls this one over backward square leg for a boundary.
1.3
1
On the pads of King, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
1.2
.
Outside off again, King cuts but straight to the man this time.
1.1
4
FOUR! Stand and deliver! Bad ball to start off by Naveen! Way wide outside off, on a length, King just cuts it past the man at point and the ball races away to the fence.
Naveen-ul-Haq into the attack from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
2
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman 3/0(1)
0.6
.
Loopy delivery on off, Lewis defends it off the front foot.
0.5
.
Was that a nick? The bowler certainly thinks so. The keeper is downcast. The man at first slip smiles, probably indicating there was an outside edge. Short and outside off, Lewis goes back to cut but misses. The ball hits the keeper's pad and then lobs up. Now, Mujeeb yells towards the keeper to take the catch but Gurbaz has no idea where the ball is. He looks behind but the ball is to his left. Then, he realizes that the ball is catchable and he dives but cannot get to it. Mujeeb feels that the fist slip should have gone for it. Doubtful, whether he would have reached it.
0.4
.
Floated delivery on off, Lewis blocks it off the front foot.
0.3
1
Full delivery on middle, Brandon drives it through mid on. The batsmen take a single.
0.2
2
Flighted delivery on off, King looks to drive but gets a leading edge on it. It goes wide of the bowler past mid off. Rashid Khan gives it a chase from mid off and slides before the boundary to keep the batsmen to a couple.
0.1
.
Starts with a tossed up delivery on off, King plays it to covers.
We are back for the chase. The Afghanistan fielders make their way out to the middle and they are followed by the West Indies openers, Evin Lewis and Brandon King. Mujeeb Ur Rahman will start the proceedings for Afghanistan.
148 to win. Dew on offer. 2-0 on the cards? Do Afghanistan have a joker in the pack? Stay tuned to find answers for the questions.
Gautam Bhimani is down with Kesrick Williams. Williams admits that bowling with the wet ball is really difficult but one needs to adjust. Credits the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) for making him and other West Indian bowlers to adjust to the dewy conditions. On the target, Williams reckons that 147 is a good score but there is dew on offer and his batsmen are in search for runs. On his latest celebration style, Kesrick dons it to spirituality, saying that every time he takes a wicket, he wants to thank the almighty, hence that type of a celebration.
Hard to fault any of the bowlers but Sheldon Cottrell had a bad outing. His 0/45 in 4 overs were by far, the worst by any Windies bowler tonight. Even in the death overs, barring those two from Cottrell where he sprayed the ball all around the park, the bowling was excellent. Kesrick Williams ticked his wicket notebook again, with 3 pages filled.
A very good comeback by West Indies. Considering that the Afghans were 52/2 in the Powerplay, this is a very good recovery. It was all about Hazratullah Zazai in the fielding restrictions and once he got out, the scorecard hit a wall. Runs became a premium as the Windies simply did not give anything away - room or runs.
19.6
4
FOUR! Short one on middle and leg, Rashid looks to play an upper cut but gets a top edge on it. The ball goes over the fielder at short third man and into the fence. Rashid gets the desired result and AFGHANISTAN END ON 147/7.
19.5
1
Najibullah pushes this one towards cover and gets a single.
19.4
1
Shortish on middle, Rashid pulls this one straight down the ground. It was on its way to the boundary but Pollard is placed almost straight behind the bowler at mid off. Just a single.
Rashid Khan walks out to bat next.
19.3
W
OUT! LBW! This one looks plumb and Naib departs with 3 balls to go. Full ball starting outside off, swinging back in. Naib looks to paddle scoop this one over the short fine leg fielder. However, he misses his shot and Williams traps him right in front of the stumps. Kesrick appeals and the umpire straightaway raises his finger.
19.2
1
Opportunity missed. Length ball down the leg side, Najibullah looks to pull but the ball comes slow, very slow. Takes the toe end of the bat and rolls towards mid-wicket. The bowler himself runs after it and keeps the batters down to a single.
19.1
.
Outside off, Najibullah looks to smash it out of the park but misses.
Kesrick Williams is back on. 3-0-16-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
6
1
2
1
0
1
Sheldon Cottrell 45/0(4)
18.6
6
SIX! Third time lucky for Naib as his heave connects properly this time and the ball just about crosses the fence at mid-wicket for a maximum.
18.5
1
Najibullah again works this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
18.4
2
Shortish on middle, Najibullah pulls this one towards mid-wicket for a couple.
18.3
1
Again Naib looks to slog it towards the leg side but this time he gets an inside edge onto it. The ball thuds into his pads and the batters get one.
18.2
.
Length ball outside off, Naib looks to heave this one towards mid-wicket but misses.
18.1
1
Length ball on off, pulled away towards mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
4
1
2
1
Keemo Paul 28/2(4)
17.6
1
Fuller on off, Najibullah pushes this one towards long off for one.
17.5
1
Full on middle, flicked towards long on for a single.
17.4
4
FOUR! Good placement! This was too short and too slow and Naib makes full use of it! Wide outside off, Naib lofts this one over the cover fielder and the ball perfectly pierces the gap in the deep to reach to the fence.
Oh dear. Not good, not good at all. Keemo Paul has come running but has stopped just at the time of delivering. Something has gone in his right eye. It looks like an insect and trust me, it is very painful. The physio comes out but what can he do here? The umpire and Hetmyer try to take the insect out with their hands. Urgh...
17.3
1
This time Najibullah lofts it towards long on for a single.
17.2
2
Another one outside off, Zadran lofts this one over the cover region for a couple.
17.1
1
Length ball outside off, pushed towards cover for one.
Keemo Paul is back on. 3-0-18-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
2
5wd
4
1
Sheldon Cottrell 34/0(3)
16.6
1
Naib flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 15 off the over, a much-needed one for Afghanistan.
16.5
1
Another short one pulled away towards mid-wicket for one.
16.4
1
Naib pulls this one towards the mid-wicket region for a single.
16.3
2
Length ball on middle and off, Naib smashes this back past the bowler towards long off for a couple.
16.3
5wd
FIVE WIDES! Bad wicketkeeping by Denesh Ramdin! Good length ball down the leg side, Naib looks to flick but misses. Ramdin fails to collect the ball and the ball goes off his left pad into the fine leg fence.
16.2
4
FOUR! Bouncer on middle, Naib plays the hook shot and the ball races to the fence in the empty deep square leg region.
16.1
1
Shortish on middle, Najibullah pulls this one towards square leg for one.
Sheldon Cottrell is back on. 2-0-19-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
1
1
Kesrick Williams 16/2(3)
15.6
.
Naib defends this one off the front foot. Just the 4 runs off the over.
15.5
.
Good ball by Williams, jagging back in from a length. Naib is cramped for room as he looks to guide this one down to third man and the ball hits his stomach and then onto the pads.
15.4
1
On the hips this time, worked towards fine leg for one.
15.3
1
On the pads, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.
15.2
1
Another one which was a touch slow and full outside off, this is guided towards the third man region for a single.
15.1
1
Slower one outside off, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.
Kesrick Williams is back on. 2-0-12-2 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
2
1
0
0
0W
Keemo Paul 18/2(3)
14.6
.
Zadran goes for the same shot again but this time misses out. Afghanistan 100/6 at the end of 15 overs.
14.5
2
Short and outside off, Najibullah cuts this one towards deep point for a couple.
14.4
1
Full on middle, this time Naib works this one towards wide long on for one.
Dhruv The Star - 'Yay! C'mon Windies! Wrap the Afghans out quickly and then chase it down in 10 overs!' Goa Rocks - 'Don't jinx, my friend. You never know. The remaining 6 overs might yield 60 now.'
14.3
.
Length ball on middle, defended off the back foot.
14.2
.
Full ball on middle, Naib shuffles across and works this one towards mid-wicket. The man at short mid-wicket makes a diving stop.
Gulbadin Naib is the next batsman in.
14.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Simple catch for Kesrick Williams. On a good length on off, Nabi looks to loft it over mid off but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards Kesrick Williams who takes a comfortable catch. He did not move an inch there. But was he standing outside the 30-yard circle? Seems like the fielding side has got away with one there. Big wicket for West Indies as Nabi could have gone berserk.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
1wd
0
Kieron Pollard 10/0(2)
13.6
1
Length delivery on middle, Nabi flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.
13.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Nabi defends it out.
13.4
1
On a length on middle, Najibullah flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run.
13.3
1
Length delivery on middle, Nabi flicks it through square leg. The batsmen cross ends.
13.2
1
On a length on middle, Najibullah flicks it towards square leg for a run.
13.2
1wd
WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, Zadran looks to go big but misses it.
13.1
.
On a good length and outside off, Najibullah looks to cut but misses it.
In over# 1
0
1
1wd
1nb
1
0W
0
6
Keemo Paul 15/1(2)
12.6
.
On a length on middle, Nabi nudges it to the leg side.
12.5
1
Full delivery on middle, Najibullah flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
12.5
1wd
WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, Ibrahim looks to go after it but misses it. Free Hit continues!
Free Hit time!
12.5
1nb
NO BALL! Short of a length delivery, Ibrahim looks to pull but misses it. The umpire gives it a no ball. What was it for? Overstepping? Second bouncer of the over? Don't recount any short stuff prior to this one...
12.4
1
Length delivery on off, Nabi guides it towards third man for a run.
Mohammad Nabi is the next batsman in.
12.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Another good catch by Kieron Pollard. NUMBER 283 IN T20 cricket. The best. Most by any. Wow. On a good length and outside off, Ibrahim looks to drive but does not keep it down. He almost checks his shot but it goes straight to Pollard at short extra cover who stays low and takes it inches above the ground.
12.2
.
Outside off, Ibrahim shoulders arms to this one.
12.1
6
SIX! Amazing shot. On a length and outside off, Ibrahim lofts it over long off for a maximum.
Keemo Paul is back on. 1-0-5-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
0
2
1
0
1
Kieron Pollard 5/0(1)
11.6
1
Length delivery on middle, Ibrahim flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a single.
11.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Ibrahim keeps it out.
11.4
2
RUN OUT CHANCE MISSED! Too casual from Pollard. On a length on middle, Ibrahim flicks it through square leg. The batsmen take the single. The fielder throws it at the bowler's end but Pollard was nowhere near his end. He just casually runs across and stretches his right hand to stop the ball, not even looking to affect the run out. The ball deflects behind, towards cover and the batsmen get another run.
11.3
1
Length delivery outside off, Najibullah looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes towards point. The batsmen cross ends.
11.2
.
On a good length and outside off, Najibullah taps it to point.
11.1
1
Length delivery outside off, Ibrahim slaps it through covers. The batsmen take a single.
Kieron Pollard is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
1
0
0
Jason Holder 23/2(4)
10.6
.
Outside off, Zadran works this one towards third man.
10.5
.
Down the leg side, Zadran works this one towards square leg.
Najibullah Zadran is the new batsman in.
10.4
W
OUT! LBW! Karim Janat has to depart! Holder steams in, bowls a good length ball outside off, angling into Janat. Karim looks to flick this one towards the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. Holder puts in a loud appeal and the umpire raises his finger after giving it some thought. We feel that it might be missing leg but not the umpire. Afghanistan in a bit of trouble now.
10.3
1
Full ball on middle and leg, pushed down to long on for a single.
10.2
.
Length ball on the body of Zadran, he defends this one out towards the leg side.
10.1
.
Good length ball on off, defended by Zadran.
In over# 1
2
4
4
0
0
4
Hayden Walsh 18/0(2)
9.6
2
Janat steps down the ground. Walsh however bowls a full toss. Janat smartly works this towards the gap at mid-wicket for a couple. The best over after the Powerplay this for Afghanistan. 14 from it.
9.5
4
FOUR! Third boundary of the over. Flighted delivery on off, Janat hits it over covers for a boundary.
9.4
4
FOUR! Nice shot. Short delivery outside off, Janat cuts it over point where Pollard tries to catch it but it goes over him for a boundary.
9.3
.
Floated delivery on off, Janat cuts it to point where Pollard does well to stop it with a dive.
9.2
.
BEATEN! Tossed up delivery outside off, Janat looks to cut but misses it.
9.1
4
FOUR! Flighted delivery on off, Janat looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes past first slip towards third man for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
1
Jason Holder 22/1(3)
8.6
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
8.5
.
Outside off, cut to the man at point.
Ibrahim Zadran is the new man in.
8.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! What a catch! Fabulous work by Denesh Ramdin! Length ball down the leg side, Afghan gets up on one leg and tries to help it towards the fine leg fence. However, he does not get the required connection on it. The ball goes uppishly and fine down the leg side where Ramdin flies to his left and takes a wonderful one-handed catch. Not a delivery off which one would get a wicket but Holder won't mind as Afghan departs.
8.3
.
Wonderful bowling! Afghan jams out another perfect yorker bowled by Holder. Piling on the pressure.
8.2
.
Good bowling by Holder! Bowls a yorker on the leg pole, Afghan manages to jam it out.
8.1
1
Outside off, Janat cuts this one towards the man at point and the batters take one.
Jason Holder is back on. 2-0-21-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
1
2
Hayden Walsh 4/0(1)
7.6
.
Afghan prods forward and blocks this ball out.
7.5
.
Full and floated on middle, Afghan smashes that back to the bowler. Walsh tries to get a hand to it but fails to do so. The ball hits the wickets at the non-striker's end. Probably stopped a boundary there.
7.4
1
This time Janat connects with his cut shot and takes a single as the ball goes towards point.
7.3
.
BEATEN! Floated outside off, Janat looks to rock back and cut but the ball beats his outside edge.
7.2
1
Floated on off, Afghan dances down the track and smashes this one down to the man at long off for a single.
Aaaah! That is Kieron Pollard's reaction when the magic spray is being used on his fingers. While fielding on the previous ball, he hurt himself.
7.1
2
Starts with a full toss outside off, Afghan drives this one towards extra cover. The short extra cover fielder, Kieron Pollard, dives and gets a hand to it. The ball however goes behind him and the batters take two.
Hayden Walsh is into the attack.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
0
Keemo Paul 5/0(1)
6.6
1
Another short ball, this time Afghan pulls this towards square leg to retain strike.
6.5
1
Short ball on the body, Janat hooks this one towards square leg for one.
6.4
1
On the pads of Afghan, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
6.3
1
Janat pushes this one towards long off and takes a single.
6.2
1
Shortish one on middle and off, Afghan pulls this one half-heartedly towards square leg for one.
6.1
.
Outside off, played to the man at point.
Keemo Paul is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
1
0
Jason Holder 21/0(2)
5.6
.
Short ball down the leg side, Janat looks to hook but misses. Janat expects it to be called a wide but the umpire is unmoved. Afghanistan 52/2 at the end of the Powerplay.
5.5
4
FOUR! Cut away! Length ball outside off, Janat rocks back and cuts this one towards backward point for a boundary.
5.4
.
Shortish ball on middle, Janat pulls this one but the ball goes straight to the man at square leg.
5.3
.
Length ball outside off, Janat cuts this one towards the man at backward point.
5.2
1
Afghan cuts this one towards the point region and takes a single.
5.1
.
Down the leg side, Afghan misses his flick and the ball goes off his thigh pads towards square leg.
Jason Holder is back on. 1-0-16-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0W
0W
1
Kesrick Williams 12/2(2)
4.6
4
FOUR! What a shot! Length ball wide outside off, Janat rocks back and slashes this one towards the cover-point fence.
4.5
.
Karim plays the ball off the front foot and into the ground.
4.4
1
Shortish on middle and off, pulled away by Afghan towards the man at deep square leg for one. Survives the hat-trick ball with ease.
Asghar Afghan walks out to the middle. Two brothers together now. Can the elder one avert the hat-trick?
4.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Wicket off consecutive balls and Williams is on a hat-trick now! Just like that, West Indies are on top now. Length ball outside off, Zazai looks to play that over cover, away from his body but it ends up being lobbed straight to point. In fact, he has sliced it, hence it went off the outside edge. Simple catch for Brandon King who makes no mistake. The dropped catch does not count much then, as Hazratullah was out down 22 and he departs for 26. Both the openers back in the hut now.
Karim Janat walks in at number 3, replacing Gurbaz.
4.2
W
OUT! Caught! The ball is legal and now we can focus on the what is, rather than the what could have been. If this had been a no ball, we would have said - what if it had been a legal ball, what if the foot had landed behind the line, etc.... But scrap that. My word... Kieron Pollard, take a bow. He has given Usain Bolt a run for his money. This is insane fielding. Full and outside off, a slower ball, Gurbaz looks to swing across the line but is way too early into the shot. He gets it high, very high in the air but has more height than distance. Now, because this is the Powerplay, there is no one in the deep. But why fear when Kieron Usain Pollard is there? He keeps his eyes on the ball like a hawk, runs after it from short mid-wicket like a cheetah and then gets to it, like a leopard usually does, when chasing its prey (Just watched the Discovery Channel before coming to work). The momentum almost makes him overrun the ball, hence he fumbles. The ball pops out but KP is alert to take it on the second attempt. The umpires add to the drama, as they want to cross-check the overstepping but replays show that Williams is fine. The heel has landed inside the crease and then dragged ahead. First wicket down and the quickfire 42-run opening stand has been broken.
Fantastic catch! But is it a no ball? Oh dear... here comes the replay. Going, going, going, no... fractionally in! Seems to be legal. The foot has landed inside the crease and then dragged beyond. Given. The first wicket falls.
4.1
1
Full delivery on off, Zazai plays it towards mid off. The batsmen take a single.
In over# 1
4
4
2
0
3
1
Sheldon Cottrell 19/0(2)
3.6
4
FOUR! Consecutive boundaries! Again a similar ball, Gurbaz again lofts but this time just about crosses the mid on fielder. The ball races to the fence.
3.5
4
FOUR! Full on middle and off, Gurbaz just lofts this one over the mid on fielder for a boundary.
3.4
2
Another short ball which gets a top edge but this time it falls safely behind the keeper. Two runs taken by the batters.
3.3
.
Length ball on off, Gurbaz defends it out.
3.2
3
DROPPED! Can be a very costly miss as it is Zazai who has been dropped. Short of a length ball on off, Zazai looks to pull but top edges it behind the keeper. Ramdin runs towards the ball but Williams from short third man calls for it and tries to get to it. Williams reaches there, gets two hands to it, but the ball just pops out. The ball rolls towards fine leg and allows the batters to take three. Had Ramdin stopped Kesrick, it would have been an easier catch.
3.1
1
Outside off, Gurbaz cuts this one towards point and takes one.
In over# 1
0
1
1
4
0
0
Kesrick Williams 6/0(1)
2.6
.
Length ball outside off, cut to the man at point.
2.5
1
On the pads of Gurbaz, he works this one towards mid-wicket for a single.
2.4
1
On a length on middle, Zazai looks to defend but gets an inside edge on the ball. It rolls towards fine leg for one.
2.3
4
FOUR! Full ball wide outside off, Zazai slashes this one over the cover region for a boundary.
2.2
.
Good length ball on middle and off, Zazai blocks it out.
2.1
.
Outside off, Zazai looks to fend at it but misses.
Kesrick Williams into the attack now.
In over# 1
2
0
0
1
1
0
1wd
Sheldon Cottrell 5/0(1)
1.6
2
Short ball outside off, Gurbaz looks to pull but gets a top edge on it. The ball goes towards the third man region and the batters take two.
1.5
.
Length ball on off, Gurbaz pushes this one towards the man at mid off.
1.4
.
Length ball outside off, Gurbaz looks to fend at it but misses.
1.3
1
Bouncer on middle and off, Zazai pulls this one towards square leg and takes a single.
1.2
1
On the pads of Gurbaz, he flicks this one towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
1.1
.
Length ball outside off, cut to the man at point.
1.1
1wd
Wide! Down the leg side, Gurbaz tries to flick this one but misses.
Sheldon Cottrell to bowl from the other end now.
In over# 1
4
2
4
0
0
6
Jason Holder 16/0(1)
0.6
4
FOUR! What an end to the over! Full on middle and off, Zazai strokes this one down the ground for a boundary. Holder tries to bend and get a hand to it but fails to do so. 16 off the over.
0.5
2
Short again this time outside off, Zazai slashes hard and gets it over the man at short third man. Two runs taken.
Predicto Praky - Another slow pitch. Last time it was already slow, tonight it will be even slower. I feel 100-120 is the maximum that Afghanistan will reach.
0.4
4
FOUR! Another boundary! Shorter one on middle, Zazai rocks back and pulls this one behind square for a boundary.
0.3
.
Length ball on off, pushed out by Zazai towards the off side.
0.2
.
Better line by Holder, this time on off. Zazai tries to push at it but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards the slip region.
0.1
6
SIX! BANG! What a start to the match by Zazai! A good length ball on the leg pole, Zazai just flicks it off his pads towards square leg for a biggie.
The players are out in the middle. Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are the openers for the Afghans. Jason Holder to start off with the new ball to Zazai. Here we go!
Kieron Pollard says that he was not sure what to do, so is happy bowling first. Adds that toss is always a 50-50 decision. Wants his bowlers to stick to the basic discipline and take whatever chances come their way. Hopes that his team goes out and expresses itself. Informs that they have one forced change - with Fabian Allen, being injured, missing out and being replaced by Keemo Paul.
Rashid Khan says that the decision is due to the dew. Admits that batting let them down in the first game but also believes that bowling is their strength and will focus to strengthen that even more. Wants to learn from mistakes and hopefully not repeat them. Informs about one change - Karim Janat coming in for Fareed Ahmad.
Pitch Report - Alistair Campbell is down for the pitch report. Mentions that the ground is smaller on one side compared to the other. Says that on this surface there is a lower amount of grass than the previous pitch and there are some loose cracks too. Further adds that the pitch will behave a bit slower and lower than the last match.
Denesh Ramdin is down for a quick chat with Alistair Campbell. Ramdin says that the young players have turned it around recently, first in the ODIs and now in the T20Is. Says that he and Polly (Kieron Pollard) try to see out the innings till the end and guide the youngsters around them. Further adds that he does not want the team to take their foot off the pedal and continue to play well.
West Indies (Playing XI) - Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul (in for Fabian Allen), Jason Holder, Kesrick Williams, Sheldon Cottrell, Hayden Walsh.
Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (C), Karim Janat (in for Fareed Ahmad), Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Toss - Afghanistan have won the toss and they have elected to bat first.
A warm welcome to the 2nd T20I between Afghanistan and West Indies in Lucknow. Afghanistan know that this is a must-win game for them to stay in the series. They would look to improve their batting and would want Zazai, Nabi and Naib to step up. On the other hand, West Indies would look to continue their winning momentum and seal the deal today itself. Stay tuned for the toss and the teams.
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