Afghanistan began their tour of Caribbean on the right note after registering a 12-run victory over West Indies Cricket Board President’s XI in the warm-up game in St Kitts.
Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bat first. Usman Ghani (33) provided a solid start but a triple strike from Miguel Cummins (3-19) had the visitors restricted to 57 for four.
With the spinners Veerasamy Permaul (2-25) and Ashley Nurse (1-23) in operation, Afghanistan hardly going going. Sheldon Cottrell (3-24) ensured there were no late flourish in the innings to restrict Afghanistan to 115 for nine in the 20 overs.
In response, Johnson Charles (53) waged a lone fight for Board President’s XI with his 44-ball knock that had five boundaries and two sixes but lacked support from the rest of the batsmen.
Devon Thomas (13) and Raymon Reiffer (13) were the joint second highest scorers in the innings as Rashid Khan (3-11), Mohammad Nabi (2-20) and Amir Hamza (2-17) shared seven wickets between them.
WICB President’s XI could manage only 103 for nine in the 20 overs of chase as Afghanistan completed a 12 run victory.
Afghanistan now will head to Warner Park at St Kitts where they will lock horns with West Indies in the first of the three-match T20I series.
