T20 WC 2024: Player Analysis: Nicholas Pooran's St. Lucia Blitz: A Night of Destruction - Cricket Winner

In St. Lucia, Pooran was in sublime form for the Windies, blasting eight sixes on his way to a stunning 98 off just 53 balls. This not only marked his highest T20I score but also the highest score of the T20 World Cup this year. Pooran’s explosive innings included a remarkable 36 runs off a single over from Omarzai, equalling Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 36-run over against Stuart Broad in Durban back in 2007. This feat was only the fifth time in T20I history that 36 runs were scored in a single over, underscoring Pooran’s extraordinary performance.

He isn’t typically expected to enter the game so early, as his role in the national setup isn’t designed for situations with field restrictions. His primary responsibility is to wreak havoc during the middle overs, a phase where bowling teams usually tighten their grip on the batters. When he walked out to bat, Afghanistan likely saw it as a chance to inflict further damage on the hosts. However, the reality turned out to be quite different.

Pooran was on 1 off 2 balls, harmlessly rotating the strike until he faced Azmatullah Omarzai. He didn’t just face Omarzai’s pace; he feasted on it, capturing the world’s attention. The first ball was a fuller length delivery, which Pooran edged thickly, and the wind carried it over the ropes for a six. Omarzai might have thought it was just an unfortunate event rather than a bad delivery.

However, by this time, Pooran had already read the pitch and realized it was a proper batting wicket. He understood that Azmatullah’s pace wouldn’t trouble him. Standing tall, Pooran launched the next ball like a rocket over the mid-wicket boundary for a four, showcasing his prowess and command over the game.

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Nicholas Pooran’s Power Play: St. Lucia Spectacle

🏏 Nicholas Pooran's Power Play at St. Lucia against @ACBofficials#cricket #Afghanistan #t20worldcup2024 #CricketWorldCup #CricketInUSA pic.twitter.com/jzj3tr4gyW

— Saiprasad Kagne (@KEVLAR2601) June 18, 2024

To Omarzai’s dismay, he had overstepped, turning his night into a nightmare. The situation worsened when his next ball flew over Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s diving hands for five wides, resulting in an astonishing 16 runs from a single delivery. Although the all-rounder managed a stellar comeback by bowling Pooran with a crushing yorker, it was a free hit, further cementing the adage that it just wasn’t his day.

Despite the setbacks, Omarzai quickly adapted to the wicket. He bowled a tailing delivery, but luck remained on Pooran’s side as the ball glanced off his pads for another four. In just three balls, Pooran had amassed 20 runs, putting the record for most runs in an over at serious risk. Pooran continued his assault with a powerful four through the point region, taking the tally to 24 runs.

However, Omarzai failed to learn his lesson, as the last two deliveries of the over were a testament to his misjudgment. He bowled full and on the pads, a line and length that video analysts specifically warn against when facing Pooran. The result was predictably monstrous. Pooran’s flicks are a sight to behold, especially with the Caribbean winds aiding their flight. Omarzai could only watch in despair as the ball soared past him, reminiscent of a casual beach game. With another massive hit, Pooran had accumulated 30 runs in just five balls, edging closer to a historic over.

With one ball remaining, all Pooran needed was another six to make history. Omarzai, unfortunately, delivered that same dreaded line and length once more. Pooran, in perfect form, launched the ball for a colossal six, bringing the total to 36 runs off the over. The West Indies were flying high at 73/1 after just four overs, thanks to Pooran’s extraordinary batting display.

There’s damage, there’s great damage, and then there’s Pooran’s brutal assault. Unfortunately for Afghanistan, they not only woke up on the wrong side of the bed but also found themselves haunted by the prospect of Pooran dismantling them in the future. Pooran ultimately scored a sizzling 98, marking his first T20 World Cup half-century and filling a crucial gap in the Windies’ lineup. His explosive innings, featuring eight towering sixes, had the entire crowd on their feet, marveling at his exceptional display of power hitting.

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