Sunday is the last double header day of action in the Cricket T20 World Cup with the first match seeing Afghanistan’s last hurrah when they take on the West Indies in Nagpur in the early game.
Although they have given the big sides a real scare Afghanistan’s three defeats in the group so far means they can no longer go any further in the tournament after this game. West Indies are exactly the opposite. They have won their three matches and are guaranteed a semi-final place.
Afghanistan have been a breath of fresh air in this tournament so far and they have the platform here to express themselves and show the world one last time just how dangerous they can be. They might just have the perfect cricket pitch to showcase their talents on too.
The only selection decision that Afghanistan look like they have to make is whether or not to play an extra seamer over one of the spinners but given that Nagpur has turned sharply throughout the tournament it would be a very strange decision not to take the extra spin option.
West Indies haven’t hit full pelt in this tournament yet but they have still won their three matches very comfortably indeed. They are yet to bat first in the tournament so that is something they might look to do here if they get the chance. They would probably like their middle order to get some time in the middle too.
Jason Holder is yet to feature in the tournament so it might be an idea to get some game time into him but Carlos Brathwaite, the guy most likely to step aside, hit the winning runs in the tense win over South Africa so it might be that Holder has to sit this one out as well.
This will be the final match of the tournament in Nagpur. Both sides have already played a match on this ground so they will be familiar with the conditions but they might not be so aware of each other as this is the first time they will have met in this format of the game.
I hate betting on dead rubbers, especially the outcome of them. You would think the West Indies would have far too much power for Afghanistan but the Windies are capable of absolute shockers and with nothing to lose we know the Asian side are going to go out and look to impose themselves here.
With this being a day game with nothing on it I’m expecting to see some flamboyance here. It is how both sides play their cricket and the 10.5 sixes line lures me in. If the Windies bat first all sorts of carnage could happen but even if they don’t Afghanistan have backed down to nobody so far.
This wicket hasn’t been the greatest in the tournament I think it is fair to say but there hasn’t been much cricket here recently, there has only been one game in 12 days on this ground so the pitch has had time to be prepared properly again which should assist the batting.
There is enough batting power on show for us to get 11 sixes especially as this is a day game and the elements shouldn’t come into play much.
I’m also going to take a chance on Rashid Khan to be the Top Afghanistan Bowler in this match. I was really impressed with him against England. He varied his pace and his line and flight really well and as a result picked up a couple of sizeable scalps.
Only one of West Indies’ batsmen are left handed so the leg spinner taking the ball away from the right hander might be the better option from a wicket taking point of view than say Mohammad Nabi and his off spin which will be turning into the legs of the right hander. Khan is a fair price at 7/2 and is worthy of a punt.
Back Over 10.5 sixes for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with William Hill
Back them here:
WON – Back R.Khan Top Afghanistan Bowler for a 2/10 stake at 4.50 with Coral
Back him here:
