Afghanistan beat West Indies by 39 runs in the second Twenty20 international on Wednesday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman claiming his first career T20I hat-trick.
Afghanistan posted 189 for four after being sent in to bat, led by Darwish Abdul Rasooli’s 68 off 39 balls and a 53 from Sediqullah Atal. Azmatullah Omarzai added an unbeaten 26 to lift the hosts to a competitive total.
In reply, West Indies were bowled out for 150 in 18.5 overs despite half-centuries from Brandon King (50) and Shimron Hetmyer, who struck 46 off 17 balls.
Mujeeb finished with figures of 4 for 21 from four overs and completed his hat-trick with the first ball of his third over, becoming the third Afghan player to take a T20I hat-trick after Rashid Khan and Karim Janat. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Omarzai took two wickets each as Afghanistan tightened control in the middle overs.
Afghanistan had also won the opening match of the series and now lead 2-0 heading into the final game.
