Afghanistan vs West Indies: 3rd ODI, Preview - Caribbeans aim for a rare series whitewash

Kieron Pollard and Co have showcased formidable performances in both the previous ODIs and have outclassed Afghanistan in all the departments.

Published - 10 Nov 2019, 18:57 IST | Updated - 10 Nov 2019, 18:57 IST

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After gaining an unassailable lead in the three-match ODI series, West Indies will be looking forward to sweeping Afghanistan in the final ODI on Monday. Kieron Pollard and Co have showcased formidable performances in the previous two ODIs and have outclassed Afghanistan in all the departments. On the other hand, Afghanistan will be playing for pride and will be eager to finish the series on a positive note.

After restricting Afghanistan to 200 runs in the second ODI, West Indies will be relying on their bowling attack comprising Sheldon Cottrell and Roston Chase to replicate their impressive performance. The former snatched three wickets while conceding only 29 runs while Roston picked three wickets and gave away 30 runs.

Nicholas Pooran, who was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ in the previous ODI is also labelled as a game-changer for West Indies. His quick-fire knock of 67 runs off 50 balls propelled his side to post 247 runs on the board. He was accompanied by Evin Lewis, who scored 54 runs off 75 balls in the second ODI.

Skipper Rashid Khan‘s poor run of form will be a major concern for Afghanistan. The 21-year-old has failed to leave a major impact in the ODI series. Based on the current form, Afghanistan will expect Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq to steer their bowling attack. Naveen-ur-Haq emerged as the stand-out performer for his side in the previous ODI by scalping three wickets. A lot of expectations will also be on Rahman, who had scalped two wickets while conceding 33 runs in the first ODI.

Team Combinations

Afghanistan

With Afghanistan failing to deliver a strong performance in both the ODIs, the side is likely to introduce changes in its starting XI. Shortage of consistent performers is a major concern for Afghanistan in the series. The trio of Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan and Ikram Alikhil is expected to anchor Afghanistan’s batting line-up while Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq are tagged to steer the side’s bowling attack.

Probable XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (C), Sharafuddin Ashraf/Karim Janat, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq/Yamin Ahmadzai Ahmadzai

West Indies

West Indies have showcased a strong display in both the departments in the first two ODIs. Kieron Pollard might encourage the influx of new talents in the team for the last ODI as they already have won the series. West Indies will be banking on the batting calibre of players like Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Evin Lewis and Nicholas Pooran.

Probable XI: Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Sheldon Cottrell, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr, Alzarri Joseph/Keemo Paul.

Focus will be on

Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)

Nicholas Pooran, who was the stand-out performer in the second ODI, is anticipated to be the game-changer for West Indies yet again. He shunned the Afghanistan side by smashing 67 runs with the bat and is touted to recreate such performance in the final ODI too. He was also awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his vital knock in the second ODI.

Mujeed ur Rahman (Afghanistan)

Rahman has delivered impressive performances in both the ODIs. With four wickets in two matches, the 18-year-old is anticipated to deliver an impactful performance to finish things off in favour of Afghanistan. Rahman has been more successful than his compatriot and skipper Rashid Khan in recent matches.