ICC T20 World Cup 2024, West Indies vs Afghanistan Video Highlights: Turning Points, Stats and more - Cricket Winner
Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 98 propelled West Indies to a record total of 218/5 against Afghanistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. West Indies’ impressive batting display, featuring key contributions from Johnson Charles and Rovman Powell, set the stage for a high-scoring encounter.
| June 18, 2024 at 12:14 PM
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The 40th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is underway between West Indies and Afghanistan at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia. The game, which commenced on June 17 at 08:30 PM local time, saw Afghanistan winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Nicholas Pooran’s explosive batting performance powered West Indies to a massive total.
Nicholas Pooran steals the show with the bat
Put into bat first, West Indies had a flying start with openers Brandon King and Johnson Charles adding 22 runs within the first two overs before King was dismissed. Nicholas Pooran then joined Charles at the crease, and the duo began to resurrect the innings. Both batters took on every bowler with ease, crossing the 100-run mark within 8 overs. Their aggressive approach left Afghanistan’s bowlers struggling to find a solution.
Charles contributed a quick 43 runs off 27 balls, including 8 fours, before being dismissed. Shai Hope joined Pooran next, adding 33 runs to the total, with Pooran leading the charge. Rovman Powell also chipped in with 26 runs, but it was Pooran’s innings that stood out.
Nicholas Pooran’s record-breaking innings
Pooran’s spectacular 98 off 53 balls, featuring 6 fours and 8 sixes, ended in the final over when he was run out. His innings helped West Indies post a formidable total of 218 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. This score is the second-highest innings total against Afghanistan in T20Is, following Ireland’s 225/7 in Abu Dhabi in 2013.
Pooran’s knock also saw him breaking several records. He became the sixth batter to hit 500-plus sixes in Menโs T20 cricket (502) and set a new record for the most sixes hit by a West Indies player in T20Is (128). Additionally, Pooran is now joint-third for hitting the most sixes in an innings in Menโs T20 World Cup history.
Johnson Charles’ aggressive start
Johnson Charles, a top-order batter known for his inconsistency, managed to score 44 runs in the last three matches. His aggressive start, contributing 22 runs in the opening partnership, set the tone for West Indies’ innings.
Andre Russell, one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket, has been in fine form. He scored 59 runs and took four wickets in the last three matches, making him a valuable player for West Indies.
Alzarri Joseph, a world-class fast bowler, has taken eight wickets in the last three matches. His impressive performance against New Zealand has made him a key player for West Indies in this encounter.
See Also: T20 WC 2024, Match 40: Nicholas Pooran, bowlers help West Indies thrash Afghanistan by 104 runs
Despite their efforts, Afghanistan’s bowlers could not contain the West Indies’ batters. Gulbadin was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2 wickets. However, the team struggled overall, allowing West Indies to set a high target.
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s key role
Fazalhaq Farooqi, a left-arm pacer for Afghanistan, has taken 12 wickets at an average of 3.50 in the last three matches. He played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s previous victory over Papua New Guinea.
Rashid Khan, one of the best leg spinners in white-ball cricket, has taken six wickets in the last three matches. His ability to take wickets during crucial phases makes him an invaluable asset for Afghanistan.
West Indies’ dominant batting performance, led by Nicholas Pooran’s record-breaking innings, set a daunting target for Afghanistan. As the match progresses, Afghanistan will need a strong batting display to chase down the total and secure a victory.
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ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024West Indies vs AfghanistanWI vs AFG