5th July 2019

West Indies win by 23 runs against Afghanistan

[apss_share]

By ICC

The West Indian team has gathered behind Chris Gayle, who leads them back inside. This will surely be his last World Cup match, and I'm getting a little emotional to be honest, because it's been a lot of fun. One of the all time great sportspeople, talent and personality.

It's a shame he was out so early at the beginning of the West Indies innings, but he made the difference with the ball, taking 1/28 from his six overs. It should've been two wickets had Hope not fumbled an easy stumping opportunity. Credit must go to Kemar Roach for his 3/37, and to Carlos Brathwaite for his 4/63, including the key breakthrough wicket of Rahmat Shah for 62 (Gayle's catch).

A good attempt by the Afghanistan side, and two brilliant innings from Ikram Alikhil and Rahmat Shah. They've been involved in some great matches at this World Cup. They didn't win any of them, of course, but it takes a long time for the less-established countries to make an impact, and they can leave England reasonably happy with their showing. 288 is a big score against a decent West Indies attack.

Tomorrow, we'll be at Lord's for the Pakistan-Bangladesh fixture. Pakistan need about 640 to qualify on run rate. Can they do it? I'll see you there.

[apss_share]