KABUL, Afghanistan, CMC – Minnow Afghanistan’s shock win over powerhouses West Indies in the Twenty20 World Cup has seen them hailed as heroes on their return home.
Large crowds waving Afghan flags greeted the players on their arrival as they celebrated last Sunday’s victory which has helped brighten the national mood in the war-torn Asian country.
Many fans also lined the streets of the capital to cheer the team as they passed.
“In the past five to six years, Afghanistan’s cricket team defeated some powerful teams,” captain Asghar Stanikzai said. “Afghanistan will be a very successful team in upcoming years.”
Entering their final game in Nagpur without a win, Afghanistan posted 123 for seven and then successfully defended the paltry total, as the previously unbeaten West Indies wilted in the run chase.
Only all-rounder Dwayne Bravo with 28 showed any enterprise.
The Caribbean side were stunned by off-spinner Mohammed Nabi and 17-year-old leg-spinner Rashid Khan who took two wickets apiece, while off-spinner Amir Hamza conceded an amazing nine runs from his four overs.
“West Indies is one of the best teams in the world and we defeated it,” said batsman Gulbadin Naib.
“It is unbelievable, a matter of great joy that a small team like ours could defeat them.”
Despite the loss, West Indies still qualified for the semi-finals, and clash with hosts and tournament favourites India in Mumbai Thursday.
Afghanistan entered the main draw of the T20 World Cup after winning their three games in the pre-tournament qualifying series.
