T20 World Cup: Afghanistan elects to bowl against West Indies

ST LUCIA: Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl against the West Indies in their Group C encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium, St Lucia on Monday.

Both teams have secured spots in the next round of the tournament – the Super 8. Afghanistan and the co-hosts each have amassed 6 points each during the initial phase of the tournament.

Read more: New Zealand’s Ferguson takes three wickets in four maiden overs

Afghanistan’s decision to field most likely aims to capitalise on their bowling strength against the West Indies’ strong batting lineup. The match serves as ample opportunity to refine their skills before taking on the more powerful teams during the Super 8 round.

Meanwhile, New Zealand concluded their T20 World Cup campaign with a three-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in their final Group C match at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium. Despite the win, New Zealand finished third in their group, securing four points from matches against Afghanistan and the West Indies.

Current points table Post-New Zealand’s victory

Group A
India maintains its lead in Group A with 7 points from 4 matches, having won 3 and 1 match ending in no result. Following closely behind is the United States with 5 points after playing 4 matches, winning 2, losing 1, and 1 match resulting in no result. Pakistan holds the third position with 4 points, while Canada sits fourth with 3 points. Ireland remains at the bottom with 1 point.

Group B
Australia dominates Group B with a perfect record, securing 8 points from 4 victories. England and Scotland share the second and third place respectively with 5 points each, followed by Namibia with 2 points. Oman trails at the bottom of the table with no points.

Group C
In a surprising turn, Afghanistan leads Group C with an impressive 6 points, followed by the West Indies. New Zealand holds the third position with 4 points, while Uganda and Papua New Guinea occupy the fourth and fifth places with 2 and 0 points, respectively.

Read more: Pakistan cricket coach Gary Kirsten blasts team for lack of unity, fitness

Group D
South Africa leads Group D with a blazing 8 points, having won all their matches. Bangladesh follows with 6 points, while Sri Lanka holds third place with 3 points. The Netherlands and Nepal are at the bottom of the group with 2 and 1 point, respectively.