West Indies Dominate Afghanistan by 104 Runs in T20 World Cup 2024

West Indies dominate Afghanistan in T20 World Cup 2024 with stellar performances by Pooran and McCoy. © Twitter (@CricketNDTV)

The 40th match of Group C in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, contested at Gros Islet on June 17, saw West Indies demolish Afghanistan by 104 runs in a breathtaking exhibition of power-hitting and disciplined bowling. This victory cemented West Indies’ unbeaten run in the group stage, setting the stage for a strong performance in the Super Eight phase.

Match Summary

Toss: Afghanistan won the throw and elected to bowl first.
Stadium: Beausejour Stadium
Result: West Indies won by 104 runs.
Man of the Match: Nicholas Pooran

pooran’s Explosive Knock Sets the Tone

Nicholas Pooran stole the show with a breathtaking 98 off 53 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award and Cricinfo’s MVP title with 106.53 points. Pooran’s innings, highlighted by eight towering sixes, broke several records and left Afghanistan reeling. His 36-run over against Azmatullah Omarzai was a standout moment, setting a world record and energizing the West Indies innings.

A Solid Start by Johnson Charles

Johnson Charles, with his stand named after him at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, provided a steady start. Despite initial jitters, Charles scored 43 off 37 balls, setting a platform for the middle order. His boundary-laden innings, although less explosive than Pooran’s, were crucial in establishing the momentum early on.

Middle Overs Resistance by Afghanistan

Afghanistan managed to claw back some control during the middle overs, thanks to the spin duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. The pair used the pitch’s slight turn to their advantage, restricting the West Indies’ scoring and claiming key wickets. Rashid Khan, in particular, showed why he is considered one of the best in the business, keeping the batters guessing with his variations.

pooran’s Onslaught and Near-Century

Pooran’s innings reignited in the 17th over, where he capitalized on some loose deliveries to accumulate quick runs. His aggressive approach in Rashid Khan’s final over, which went for 24 runs, proved decisive. Despite falling just short of a well-deserved century due to a direct hit from Omarzai in the final over, Pooran’s knock ensured West Indies posted a formidable 218 for 5, their highest total in men’s T20 World Cups.

Afghanistan’s Struggle in the Chase

Chasing 219 was always going to take a lot of work, and Afghanistan’s innings never gained momentum. Early wickets by Akeal Hosein and Obed McCoy put them on the back foot. Ibrahim Zadran’s 38 off 28 balls and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 23 provided brief hope, but they lacked support from the rest of the lineup.

Obed McCoy’s Match-Winning Spell

Obed McCoy, playing his first match of the tournament, delivered a match-winning performance with the ball. His 3 for 14 in 3 overs dismantled Afghanistan’s middle order and ensured there was no chance of a comeback. Supported by Hosein, Motie, and Russell, McCoy’s bowling restricted Afghanistan to a mere 114 in 16.2 overs.

Key Takeaways

• West Indies’ Dominance: This victory by 104 runs marks West Indies’ second-biggest win by runs in T20 World Cups, showcasing their dominance.
• Pooran’s Form: Nicholas Pooran’s form will be crucial for West Indies as they head into the Super Eight stage. His ability to score quickly and destructively makes him a key player.
• Balanced Attack: West Indies’ bowling attack, featuring a mix of pace and spin, proved effective against Afghanistan, highlighting their all-round capabilities.

Last Moments

West Indies’ comprehensive win against Afghanistan not only solidified their position at the top of Group C but also sent a strong message to their rivals. As they move into the Super Eight stage with a perfect record, the team’s blend of explosive batting and disciplined bowling makes them a formidable contender for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title. As the competition moves forward, check back for additional updates and in-depth analysis.