PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC-Barbados, without four key players, lost to Afghanistan by five wickets, to finish the Asia vs. the Caribbean T20 tournament winless. Barbados struggled to 119 for nine in their 20 overs at the Queen’s Park Oval Saturday night in the four- nation tournament. Mohammad Nabi turned in another excellent all round performance as the Afghan players romped to their target losing five wickets and recording their second win of the tournament. Nabi grabbed 3 for 23 with his off-spinners to help restrict Barbados to an inadequate total and then slammed a rapid 40, as his team chased down the score.
Afghanistan lost three wickets for just 38 runs before a 66-run partnership between Mohammad Nabi and Asghar Stanikzai lifted the Asians to 122 for five and sealed Barbados’ fate. Nabi finally fell for 40 off 30 balls with three fours and one six and won the hearts of the fans at the Oval. Stanikzai stuck around and although losing Gulbodin Naib via the run out route for six towards the end, he ensured victory with an unbeaten 34. Earlier, Barbados without former skipper Ryan Hinds, regular skipper Kirk Edwards, fiery pacer Kemar Roach and in-form Shai Hope, were unable to mount meaningful partnerships.
Apart from Mayers, only skipper Shamarh Brooks got into double figures scoring 22 off 29 balls with a four. Mohammad Nabi clearly the best player for Afghanistan was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 23, while Izatullah Dawlatzai took 3 for 29 and Gulbodin Naib 2 for 19. Kyle Mayers a revelation for them at this tournament scored an unbeaten 39 that salvaged some pride for the Caribbean team. His 39 came off 25 balls with four fours and a six.
