That’s all we have for you from the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as the curtains come down on a cracking series. It was a contest full of drama and memorable moments, highlighted by the rare sight of two hat-tricks in the same series. West Indies signed off on a high with a thrilling victory in the final game. However, it’s Afghanistan who take the honours and clinch the series.
For now, this is Pritam Dey signing off along with scorers/analysts Chandan Kr Singh & Paras Yadav and statistician Aman as we brought all the updates of this clash. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world. BYE BYE👋
Rashid Khan steps forward to collect the winners’ trophy. He is soon joined by his teammates in front of the winners’ board, as the celebrations begin. Afghanistan have won the series 2-1.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan Captain): "Well, I think it was important for us to play a series before the world cup and end up winning it in order to give us some confidence moving into the tournament. We got a lot of positives from the areas we wanted to improve. I think going into the world cup, it was a massive preparation for us.
(Areas of improvement) We had an opportunity today to see ourselves how we are going to chase a target and whatever total we get, how we are going to go as a team. We are going for a big event like a world cup and how calm we can stay in a run chase. These things happen and you get to learn so much from it. We need to improve those areas. We have to keep that consistency and do it back to back. We are much better as a time than what we showed today. We can't concede 40 runs in the last three overs. In the second game as well, we conceded 60+ runs in four overs. That's where I think we need to improve.
(On the spinners bowling so well) Well, it makes you so happy seeing the bowlers stepping up for the team in different situations. I think that's something which is quite pleasing. Everyone contributed for the team. More than the bowling, I feel that our catching was exceptional in this series. Full backup was there from the fielding side which gave the bowlers a lot of energy. It gives a really good feeling moving into the world cup."
Brandon King (West Indies Captain): "(Scoring 40 in the last 3 overs) Well, certainly it was pleasing to see a late flourish but we knew that we need a little bit more in the total. The way the guys finished was really good from them.
(On Shamar Springer) He did really well. We are really happy for him. We know the skills he brings to the game and it was good that he was able to show that today.
(On bowling more slower deliveries) Yeah, you could say that. The difference in this game compared to the previous two was the executions. We had similar plans in the first two games. Guys did exceptionally well today. All the bowlers bowled brilliantly which made it hard for them.
(Lessons taken from this game) As a bowling point of view, we want to execute our plans on a consistent basis. As a batting group, we know that we need to face as less dot balls as we can. We have dropped a few costly catches in this series too. There are areas of improvement for us.
(Losing the series 2-1) Obviously it's great to end the series on a winning note. This game was closer to what we can actually do. Some of the guys will be joining our squad soon which will only make us stronger."
Darwish Rasooli (Player of the Series): (Translated in English) They will look to improve. They will continue towards their preparations for the world cup. They still think there are areas of improvement in the middle order. They will certainly bounce back strong."
Player of the Series: Darwish Rasooli
Shamar Springer (Player of the Match): "Yeah, it feels great that I am the third person to claim a hat-trick.
I was just patient. I was waiting for my turn to get back in the side. When I got out there, I just wanted to give my best.
(On batting with Forde) Well, the chat was to play as less dot balls as we can and look for boundaries.
Well, it was just to get the guys hit to the bigger side of the ground. I am just trying to focus on my execution."
Player of the Match: Shamar Springer
11:44 PM IST & 10:14 PM Local Time: Time for the Post-Match Presentation!
Trivia: For the first time ever, we’ve witnessed two hat-tricks in the same series between two full-member nations.