Wednesday 30 / October / 2024
Nagpur, India: They may have secured a semifinal slot with three straight victories but in-form West Indies would like to continue their winning ways when they face a spirited Afghanistan in their final group game of ICC World Twenty20 cricket tournament here tomorrow.
Afghanistan will hope that the Windies take it easy after making the knockouts and sign off with a consolation victory at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium at Jamtha.
West Indies captain Darren Sammy said his team would have a party after qualifying for the semi-finals with a nervy last over victory against South Africa. They are already eyeing their next week's last-four match.
The 2012 champions have been in fine form with convincing wins over England and Sri Lanka though they made a heavy weather of a small chase against the Proteas before eventually pulling off a 3-wicket last over win, and the Sammy-led Caribbeans would start as overwhelming favourites tomorrow.
The Afghans, on the other hand, have won hearts in India with their spirited showing in the mega-event, giving tough competition to the other teams in their group, especially against England.
They gave South Africa a fright last weekend when they raced to 105 for two in pursuit of the Proteas' total of 210, although they were ultimately beaten after a flurry of wickets.
Against England, they had a very good chance of registering a victory in their last fixture after sending half of the Three Lions' batting lineup back to the pavilion before the end of the 10th over.
England were reduced to 85 for seven at one stage before Moeen Ali bailed them out of the woods and spared his team the blushes.
