Afghanistan win World Cup qualifiers
HARARE: Mohammad Shahzad starred as Afghanistan laid down a marker ahead of next year’s World Cup by romping to a seven-wicket thrashing of the West Indies in today’s qualifying final in Harare.
Leg-spin sensation Rashid Khan became the fastest bowler ever to reach 100 one-day international wickets as the West Indies were bowled out for 204, before big-hitting opener Shahzad smashed 84 as Afghanistan knocked off the runs with 9.2 overs to spare.
Both Afghanistan and West Indies had already made sure of their places in the 2019 World Cup by topping the 10-team qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe.
West Indies star Chris Gayle capped a poor personal tournament as he was dismissed for only 10 by 16-year-old leg-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who finished with 4-43.
Rovman Powell hit 44 as the two-time World Cup winners recovered to at least pass 200.
Rashid, 19, dismissed Shai Hope to take his 100th ODI wicket in only his 44th game, beating the previous record held by Australia’s Mitchell Starc by eight matches.
Shahzad played some remarkable shots in his 93-ball innings, clubbing 11 fours and two sixes before holing out to the part-time spin of Gayle.
Rahmat Shah struck an assured 11th ODI half-century as Afghanistan cruised to victory to lift the trophy.
Brief scores: West Indies 204 in 46.5 overs (Rahman 4/43) v Afghanistan 206/3 in 40.4 overs (Shahzad 84, Rahmat Shah 51).