ICC World Cup 2019, Afghanistan vs West Indies: Preview, where to watch, team news

Leeds, July 3: With both teams out of the semifinal race, Afghanistan will have the psychological advantage when they continue the search for their maiden victory in the World Cup against West Indies, who are looking to restore pride in Leeds on Thursday (July 4).

CWC 2019 Special Page | Full Schedule | Points Table

Afghanistan beat a star studded West Indian side comprising power hitters like Chris Gayle, Carlos Brathwaite and Shai Hope twice in the World Cup qualifiers, held in Harare last year. And now with their fine show against some of the big teams in the World Cup, the war-torn nation will fancy their chances against the West Indies.

For both Afghanistan and West Indies, the tournament has been a case of so near yet so far.

Afghanistan, who have proved time and again they can't be written off as minnows, gave heavyweights India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka a run for their money during the tournament. All three sides struggled against the potent Afghan bowling attack that boasts the likes of Mohammed Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Rashid Khan.

'I can't bowl like Mujeeb. He can do the carrom ball, the wrong'un, and flip the ball as well' – Mohammad Nabi.

At just 18 years of age, Mujeeb ur Rahman has made the world take notice of his extraordinary talent 👏#AfghanAtalan | #PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/MTH2clJpRO

— ICC (@ICC) June 29, 2019

For the West Indies, it was heartbreak for the third time when they came close to another big scalp against Sri Lanka on Monday. They had earlier squandered their chances of beating reigning champions Australia, followed by Carlos Brathwaite falling just short of what could have been a match-winning six against New Zealand.

"It is disappointing to come so close on a number of stages and not get that win," West Indies captain Jason Holder said after the defeat to Sri Lanka.

And with today's defeat, the two-time champion #MenInMaroon join South Africa and Afghanistan out of #CWC19 contention.

For the seven remaining sides, the fight continues... 💪 pic.twitter.com/On5Tw15CaK

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 27, 2019

Both teams are out of contention for the semifinals with Afghanistan sitting at the bottom of the points table and West Indies at the penultimate spot.

West Indies, the winners of the first two World Cups back in 1975 and 1979, have faced seven straight defeats in the tournament after starting their campaign by demolishing Pakistan in their opening game.

A win in their final match will be a nice way to exit the big stage. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib will marshal his troops once again and will hope his spinners weave their magic one last time before they head back home.

Squads:

West Indies: Jason Holder (captain), Chris Gayle, Shai Hope (wicketkeeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Kemar Roach, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Ambris, Evin Lewis, Shannon Gabriel, Darren Bravo, Fabian Allen.

Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib (captain), Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Hazratullah Zazai, Asghar Afghan, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Nabi, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Dawlat Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Samiullah Shinwari, Rahmat Shah, Noor Ali Zadran, Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper).

Match starts at 3 PM IST on Thursday (July 4)

Live: Star Sports Network

Stream: HotStar