Rashid Scalps Seven as Afghanistan Hammer West Indies in ODI Series Opener

Afghanistan teenage leg-spinner Rashid Khan recorded the fourth best bowling figures in One-Day International history, taking seven for 18 as the visitors hammered West Indies by 63 runs in the series opener on Friday.

Choosing to bat first after winning the toss at Darren Sammy stadium in St Lucia, Afghanistan posted a target of 212-6 in 50 overs.

Javed Ahmadi was the top scorer of the match with 81, followed by Gulbadin Naib who claimed 41 (not out) for the visitors.

Defending the total, Rashid Khan was given the ball in the 23th over when the hosts were 68 for 2. He picked up wickets with his first two balls, Jason Mohammed edging to first slip before Roston Chase was deceived by a googly and trapped plum leg before for a golden duck.

West Indies eventually were bowled out for 149 after 44.4 overs.

Rashid was named man of the match for his record seven wicket haul and he  dedicated his award to the victims of the recent Kabul bomb blast.

Sri Lanka paceman Chaminda Vaas is the only bowler to take more than seven wickets in an ODI. He took eight for 19 against Zimbabwe in 2001.

“We’re trying our best to bring back smiles and happiness in whatever way we can,” Rashid said as quoted by Reuters.

 It was the first victory in the tour for Afghanistan after three straight T20 losses.

Both sides will play the second match of the series on Sunday at the same venue.