Afghanistan vs West Indies, Only Test, Day 2, Lucknow: Preview, prediction

West Indies won the toss, decided to field first, and justified the call pretty well. Day 1 of the only Test between Afghanistan and West Indies ends with West Indies on the driver’s seat. Rahkeem Cornwall initiated the breakthrough in the 13^th over of the Afghanistan innings and never looked back. His fiery spell claimed a fantastic 7-wicket haul that never allowed the Afghanistan batsmen to look for big scores. Thanks to Javed Ahmadi’s 39, Ihsanullah’s 24 and late contributions from Afsar Zazai (32) and Amir Hamza (34) Afghanistan were able to take their innings to 187. Cornwall was well supported by Jason Holder (17-10-22-2).

West Indies batted for 22 overs on day 1 and the Afghanistan bowlers did their bit to cause early damage. Amir Hamza and Rashid Khan took a couple of wickets after West Indies had a decent start. With 34/2 on board West Indies needed a partnership to stop further downfall. John Campbell (30) and Shamarh Brooks (19) remained not out at the end of the first day. Whereas their unbeaten partnership of 34 runs will be a key for West Indies to build the innings, the Afghanistan bowling squad is expected to provide regular breakthroughs and restrict the Windies from taking a huge lead.

The battle will be largely between the Windies batsmen and Afghanistan bowlers on day 2. The way Afghanistan came back even after getting bundled up for a mere 187 is commendable. For West Indies, the middle order has to perform really well to take a decent lead which will not be an easy task against the Afghan bowlers.

Key players

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Rashid Khan bowled eight overs including two maidens on day 1 and took a major wicket conceding 24 runs. His bowling analysis will surely make Afghanistan hopeful. Another good day with the ball and Rashid can surely save his team.

John Campbell (West Indies): John Campbell lost two partners back to back but remained unbeaten at the end of day 1. His 49-ball 30 gave stability to the Windies innings for the time being. Campbell must carry on and focus on building partnerships to put enough runs on board for his team.

Brief scores

West Indies 68/2 (John Campbell 30*, Shamarh Brooks 19*; Rashid Khan 1/24, ) trail Afghanistan 187 (Javed Ahmadi 39, Amir Hamza 34; Rahkeem Cornwall 7/75, Jason Holder 2/22) by 119 runs

 Prediction

West Indies to take a decent lead.