West Indies' History-Making Innings Sets Up Dominant Win Over Afghanistan
West Indies' History-Making Innings Sets Up Dominant Win Over Afghanistan
Introduction
The West Indies have sent a clear message to the cricketing world, cruising past Afghanistan and advancing to the next phase of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup with an unbeaten record. In a dazzling display of power and precision, the co-hosts showcased why they are considered a formidable force in the tournament.
A Jaw-Dropping Start
The setting was the run-happy Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia, where West Indies' batting fireworks set the stage for a historic encounter. After winning the toss, Afghanistan's captain Rashid Khan opted to field first, hoping for early breakthroughs. However, what followed was a masterclass in T20 batting.
Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran ignited the innings after the early dismissal of Brandon King. Charles's aggressive approach inspired Pooran, who produced an extraordinary 36-run over off Azmatullah Omarzai, featuring two sixes and several other boundary hits. This phenomenal over marked only the fifth instance in Men's T20I history where an over went for 36 runs, and the second such occurrence in a Men's World Cup.
Record-Breaking Powerplay
The onslaught continued as the West Indies amassed 92 runs in the first six overs, setting a new record for the highest Powerplay total in Men's T20 World Cup history. The previous record was held by the Netherlands with 91 runs against Ireland in 2014. The Windies surpassed Afghanistan's previous highest World Cup concession of 95 runs against Papua New Guinea in no time.
Charles's brisk 43 off 27 balls helped the hosts cross the 100-run mark in just 7.4 overs. His partnership with Pooran, which yielded 80 runs in just six overs, set the tone for a monumental total. By the end of the Powerplay, West Indies were firmly in command, reaching 113/2 at drinks.
Nicholas Pooran's Heroics
Nicholas Pooran's innings was the highlight of the match. His 98 off 53 balls was a spectacular display of T20 batting, which included eight sixes. Pooran's performance not only propelled the team's total to 218/5, the highest score of the tournament so far, but also set several records. He surpassed Chris Gayle's record for the most sixes by a West Indies player in T20Is, and his score was the highest individual innings in this World Cup.
Afghanistan's Struggle
Facing a daunting target, Afghanistan's chase got off to a disastrous start with the early dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Despite a brief resistance from Gulbadin Naib and Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan struggled to keep up with the required run rate. The consistent fall of wickets further hampered their efforts, and they were eventually all out for 114.
West Indies' bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with standout performances from Gutakesh Motie and other key bowlers. The victory by 104 runs underscored the hosts' dominance and left Afghanistan with crucial lessons before their second-round matches.
Records and Achievements
This match was not just a victory but a statement from the West Indies, highlighting their potential to go all the way in the tournament. The records set during the game are a testament to their aggressive and entertaining brand of cricket. Here are some of the records broken during this historic innings:
Highest Powerplay in Men's T20 World Cup history: 92 runs.
Highest total of the Men's 2024 T20 World Cup: 218 runs.
Highest individual score of the Men's 2024 T20 World Cup: 98 by Nicholas Pooran.
Most runs in an over in Men's T20 World Cup history: 36 runs.
Most sixes by a West Indies player in Men's T20Is: Nicholas Pooran.
Conclusion
The West Indies have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with, entering the next phase of the tournament in red-hot form. As the pressure builds in the Super Eight stage, their blend of power-hitting and strategic play makes them one of the teams to watch. With this commanding performance, the West Indies have not only thrilled their fans but also set a high benchmark for the rest of the tournament. Cricket enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly following their journey, anticipating more record-breaking performances and exhilarating matches.
Reference
- ICC: Bragging rights up for grabs as Group C’s two unbeaten teams face off in Saint Lucia
- Live Mint: West Indies vs Afghanistan live score - Match 40 of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
- India Today: West Indies vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup records
- The Hindu: T20 World Cup - West Indies beats Afghanistan by 104 runs
Check out the above links for more details