Who Said What: World reacts to Afghanistan's win over West Indies
Afghanistan provided the first shock of the 2016 ICC World T20 as they defeated West Indies by 6 runs at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur. With this win, Afghanistan secured their first win of the Super 10 stage of the tournament.
Put into bat, the Afghans managed to put on 123/7 in their 20 overs, mainly thanks to an unbeaten 48 from Najibullah Zadran. The Afghanistani bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals and restricted the table toppers to just 117/8 during the chase.
What the captains had to say
Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai, as expected, was delighted with the win.
Speaking after the match, he said: “The victory feels very good and it was a very important win. We needed this win because we missed out on two chances. The guys did very well today. We were 15 runs short and we know that because we have played here before and we know the conditions.
“The guys bowled and fielded very well. We know that our team is good enough (at this level). It’s very good to beat the group toppers, especially in T20s, they (West Indies) are a dangerous team. It's a great win for us.”
Darren Sammy, on the other hand, mentioned that they will not lose much confidence despite the loss.
“We are disappointed but we are not gonna let this jump in our spirits. They played and we just have to find a way to chase down totals - three times we have made it a bit difficult,” the West Indian captain said.
Cricketers’ reactions
Anil Kumble hails Afghanistan’s achievement.
What a win Afghanistan. Reputation enhanced on world stage. Well done!!#WIvsAFG #WT20 #AKLive
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) March 27, 2016
Ian Bishop ponders over West Indies’ loss.
West Indies won't be happy with this loss. Afghanistan have been pushing towards a super 10 victory for 3 games. Well deserved @vcricketAF
— ian bishop (@irbishi) March 27, 2016
Afghanistan, especially Hamid Hassan, impressed former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson.
Well deserved AFG beating WI. Was impressed by Hassan and his pace. Unlucky to be called for 2nd no ball but enjoy your moment!
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) March 27, 2016
Michael Vaughan wants the ICC to re-think the format for future ICC tournaments.
Fantastic.... Great for the game.... Well done @ACBofficials....Please @ICC try and change your mind.... #ICCWT20
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 27, 2016
Andrew Flintoff celebrating Afghanistan's win like England were playing!
Yessssssssss Afghanistan !!!
— andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) March 27, 2016
James Anderson loved the vibe Afghanistan brought to the tournament.
#AFG deserved that! They've been great to watch this last couple of weeks. Now for the big one #AUS v #IND #WT20
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) March 27, 2016