ICC Cricket World Cup: Afghanistan thrash West Indies to win qualifiers title, skipper Stanikzai hopes to lift WC

Afghanistan defeated West Indies by seven wickets on Sunday to clinch the ICC World Cup qualifiers title in Harare.

Mohammad Shahzad’s solid knock of 84 runs helped Afghanistan win the ICC World Cup qualifiers title, with Rashid Khan becoming the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets.

Teenager Rashid Khan achieved the feat in just 44 matches, surpassing Mitchell Starc who reached the milestone in 52 matches. Mohammad Shahzad’s 84 from 93 balls helped his side cross the finishing line, with Rahmat Shah offering solid support with his handy 51.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman with his 4-43 was the cream of the crop with the ball for Afghanistan, with Rovman Powell scoring the highest for Windies with his 44.

ALSO READ: Islamabad United clinch PSL title for second time at Karachi, Ronchi wins Man of the Series

The landmark moment for Rashid Khan came when he fooled Shai Hope in the 23rd over, bringing up his century of ODI wickets in his 44th appearance.

Windies gave a target of 205, which was never a safe target and Afghanistan got going in style with Shahzad’s beautiful innings of 84.

Mohammad Nabi with his 27 unbeaten finished the game in style with three consecutive sixes off Chris Gayle in the 40th over.

"This victory will give us the required boost to work extremely hard over the next 14 months and like the other nine sides, will arrive in England and Wales firmly believing we can win the World Cup," said Afghanistan skipper Stanikzai.

Mohammad Shahzad was named Man of the Match for his splendid knock, whereas Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza grabbed the Man of the Series.