Forde’s fighting 50 offers silver lining

In a final preparatory clash ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the West Indies fell to a 23-run defeat against Afghanistan on Wednesday.

However, the loss was illuminated by a blistering cameo from emerging all-rounder Matthew Forde, who provided a potent reminder of the squad's depth.

Chasing Afghanistan's 182 for six, the Windies innings stuttered to 159 for seven. The highlight was a stunning 52 not out from just 26 balls by Barbadian speedster Forde, who top-scored in a late-order assault that showcased his rapidly evolving power-hitting. Rovman Powell supported with 32 off 27 balls.

Speaking to CWI media after the match, Forde revealed his batting surge is no accident.

"For me, I've been working on a few things in the nets with coach Floyd (Reifer), and that is getting to a stable base and finishing off the innings. So seeing that come into play just before the World Cup, picking up a bit of momentum, for me, that's really good."

He was clear to point out that the team is packed with hitters, and he is keen to play whatever role coach Darren Sammy wants him to play.

"We have a lot of batting. It's a power-packed batting team. So for me, any opportunity that I get, I have to take it with both hands. Before I actually came into this setup, I was a batsman. So for me, it's just about showing the world what I can do with a bat."

While his batting flourished, Forde's primary discipline had a tougher day, conceding 40 runs from his three overs without a wicket.

The West Indies will bow into action in Group C action in the World Cup on Saturday against Scotland.