Mujeeb Ur Rahman Stars With Hattrick as Afghanistan Crush West Indies To Seal Series

Dubai: Afghanistan continued their impressive rise in international cricket with a commanding 39-run victory over the West Indies in the second T20I in Dubai on Wednesday, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The highlight of the match was a sensational four-wicket haul from Mujeeb Ur Rahman, which included a memorable hat-trick that dismantled the West Indies batting lineup.

After winning the toss, West Indies opted to field first, putting Afghanistan under early pressure. The decision initially paid dividends as Afghanistan slipped to 37 for 2 in just 4.5 overs, with the West Indies bowlers exploiting the early movement and keeping the scoring in check.

However, a crucial 115-run partnership between Darwish Rasooli and Sediqullah Atal turned the tide firmly in Afghanistan’s favour. Atal played a composed knock of 53 off 42 balls, striking two fours and three sixes, while Rasooli anchored the innings with a fluent 68 off 39 deliveries, laced with five boundaries and three maximums. Their partnership stabilised the innings and allowed Afghanistan to build momentum through the middle overs.

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Afghanistan eventually posted a competitive total, putting pressure on the two-time T20 World Cup champions to produce a strong chase. West Indies’ reply, however, never truly gained traction as Mujeeb Ur Rahman delivered a spell of exceptional skill and control.

The off-spinner ripped through the middle order, finishing with four wickets, including a stunning hat-trick that left the West Indies reeling. His variations in pace and flight proved too much for the Caribbean batters, who struggled to cope with Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Supported well by the rest of the bowling unit, Afghanistan restricted the West Indies to a total well short of the target, sealing a comprehensive win.

The victory not only secured the series for Afghanistan but also underlined their growing reputation as a formidable force in the shortest format of the game. Beating West Indies, one of the most successful teams in T20 history, adds further weight to Afghanistan’s credentials ahead of major global tournaments.

With the series already decided, Afghanistan will look to complete a clean sweep in the final match, while the West Indies will aim to salvage pride and address their batting inconsistencies.

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