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 WT20 cricket tournament on Sunday. 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.
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 three-wicket last over win, and the Sammy-led Caribbeans would start as overwhelming favourites today. 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. Afghanistan have yet to beat one of cricket’s big guns but leg-spinner Rashid Khan said they would become more competitive if they get more game time against top opposition. “When we play more international matches then the improvement will come,” he said after the England match.