DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — When Afghanistan appeared poised to complete a commanding clean sweep, Shamar Springer delivered one of the most dramatic spells in West Indies T20 history, conjuring a breath-taking hat-trick that sealed a 15-run consolation victory in the third and final T20 International at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Springer’s three-ball burst in the penultimate over abruptly derailed Afghanistan’s chase, transforming a comfortable pursuit into chaos and denying the hosts a 3-0 series sweep.
Afghanistan in cruise control early
Having already secured the series with wins in the opening two matches, Afghanistan began their chase of 151 with assurance and authority. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran laid a solid platform, compiling 72 runs in the first 10 overs with minimal risk.
The partnership suggested another routine finish until Matthew Forde provided the breakthrough, removing Zadran for 28 off 27 balls with a well-judged catch on the boundary by Springer.
Momentum slows, pressure builds
Although Gurbaz continued to anchor the innings, reaching his half-century off 44 balls with a single off Gudakesh Motie, Afghanistan’s scoring rate faltered. His subsequent stand of 22 with Sediqullah Atal consumed 24 deliveries, allowing the West Indies bowlers to claw their way back.
At the end of the 14th over, Afghanistan stood at 94 for one, still requiring 58 runs from the final six overs.
Springer struck next, dismissing Atal for a labored seven off 11 balls. When Darwish Rasooli followed soon after for four, Afghanistan crept to 107 for three after 16 overs.
Hat-trick heard around the ground
Mohammad Nabi briefly reignited hopes with a towering six off Ramon Simmonds, but he perished on the very next ball attempting a repeat.
Gurbaz then attacked Khary Pierre, launching two successive sixes to start the 18th over. Yet the decisive moment arrived moments later.
With the first ball of the 19th over, Springer removed Gurbaz, who attempted to clear midwicket, only for Forde to complete a spectacular juggling catch on the boundary. The very next delivery saw captain Rashid Khan expertly held by Pierre at deep backward point. Springer completed his hat-trick in emphatic fashion, striking Shahidullah’s off stump as he prodded defensively.
Afghanistan collapsed to 127 for seven, the contest suddenly flipped on its head.
Calm finish seals famous win
Needing 20 runs from the final over, Afghanistan found no respite. Simmonds delivered six exceptional balls, conceding just four runs and effecting the run-out of Mujeeb Ur Rahman to seal the West Indies’ victory.
Springer finished with outstanding figures of four for 20 from four overs, joining Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd as the only West Indians to claim T20 International hat-tricks. The victory also marked the Caribbean side’s first-ever win at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
King anchors, late surge lifts Windies
Earlier, West Indies captain Brandon King top-scored with a measured 47, supported by a blistering cameo from Matthew Forde, who struck 27 from just 11 deliveries. Springer added valuable late runs with an unbeaten 16 off nine balls.
Once again, the Windies struggled for fluency during the Power Play, reaching 43 for one after six overs, with Johnson Charles departing for 17. The middle order found it difficult to accelerate, as Keacy Carty (10 off 19), Justin Greaves (12 off 15), and Quentin Sampson (three off seven) failed to find momentum.
West Indies reached 100 only at the end of the 15th over, but a ferocious finish from Forde and Springer, who combined for five fours and two sixes, propelled them to a competitive 151 for seven.
Rashid Khan led Afghanistan’s bowling with two for 13, while Abdollah Ahmadzai (two for 30) and Ziaur Rahman (two for 45) also claimed two wickets apiece.
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