In UP, ‘hosts’ Afghans go down to Windies

Lucknow, November 6 

Roston Chase and Shai Hope struck fine half-centuries as West Indies produced an all-round effort to register a comfortable seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first ODI of the three-match series here today.

Opting to field, the West Indies bowlers came up with a fine show to bundle out Afghanistan for 194 in 45.2 overs. Jason Holder (2/21), Chase (2/31) and Romario Shepherd (2/32) shared six wickets to rock the Afghans.

Rahmat Shah (61), wicketkeeper-batsman Ikram Alikhil (58) and Asghar Afghan (35) were the notable scorers for Afghanistan, who have chosen Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium as their new home venue.

West Indies did not have a bright start to their chase as they lost Evin Lewis (7) and Shimron Hetmyer (3) at the score of 25 in 7.4 overs.

But then, Hope (77 not out) and Chase (94) joined hands and stitched 163 runs for the third wicket to lay the foundation for West Indies’ victory as they reached 197/3 in 46.3 overs.

Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2/33) picked up two wickets for Afghanistan.

The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Saturday. — PTI

Brief scores: Afghanistan: 194 (Rahmat 61, Alikhil 58; Holder 2/21, Chase 2/31); West Indies: 197/3 (Chase 94, Hope 77*; Mujeeb 2/33)