West Indies edged Afghanistan by 13 runs in the third and final Twenty20 international on Thursday, avoiding a series whitewash after Afghanistan had already sealed the three-match series 2-0.
Chasing 152 to win at Dubai International Stadium, Afghanistan were restricted to 138 for eight in their 20 overs, despite a fluent 73 from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who struck eight fours and a six in a 58-ball innings.
Gurbaz added 74 for the first wicket with Ibrahim Zadran, who made 28, but Afghanistan lost momentum once the opening stand was broken in the 11th over. Regular wickets in the middle overs left the hosts short of the target, with Shamar Springer leading the West Indies bowling attack with four wickets for 20 runs.
Earlier, West Indies posted 151 for seven after being sent in to bat. Brandon King top-scored with 50 off 41 balls, while Shimron Hetmyer provided late impetus with a rapid 46 from 17 deliveries. Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the wickets, but were unable to fully contain the West Indies in the closing overs.
The win gave West Indies their first victory of the series, after Afghanistan had won the opening two matches by 38 and 39 runs respectively to clinch the series.
