AFG vs WI, ICC World Cup 2019: Afghanistan aim for maiden win against West Indies

Afghanistan's inability to cash-in on the crucial junctures of the game denied them with the opportunity of causing what would have been the biggest upsets in the tournament

Unable to register even a single win in the ongoing World Cup so far, Afghanistan would aim to end the tournament on a high when they face West Indies in their final group stage encounter at Headingley on Thursday. The Afghanistan team came close to defeat India and Pakistan in their last two matches. However, their inability to cash-in on the crucial junctures of the game denied them with the opportunity of causing what would have been the biggest upsets in this edition of the World Cup. While the spinners -- Mujeeb ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi -- have lived up to their reputation with consistent performances throughout the tournament, the fast bowlers and the batting unit have failed to contribute significantly to the team's cause, the main reason for their dismal performance so far. West Indies, on the other hand, have failed to produce an all-round performance, barring their opening match victory against Pakistan where they bundled out the Green Brigade for mere 105. Despite some good individual performances, Windies have failed to put up a significant total due to the lack of partnerships. That's why skipper Jason Holder will look to inspire his team to play with full intensity in their final game and end what has been a disappointing tournament on a high. Squads: Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib (c), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah (wk), Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Ikram Ali Khil West Indies: Jason Holder (c), Chris Gayle, Kemar Roach, Darren Bravo, Sunil Ambris, Shai Hope (wk), Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shannon Gabriel, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Shimron Hetmyer, Fabian Allen, Oshane Thomas, Nicholas Pooran