In a commanding performance at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, the West Indies beat Afghanistan by a massive 104 runs in the 40th match of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday.
Afghanistan, chasing a formidable target of 219 runs, were bowled out for a mere 114 in 16.2 overs.
The West Indies bowlers delivered a stellar performance, with Obed McCoy leading the charge with impressive figures of 3-14. Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein also made significant contributions, each taking two wickets.
Ibrahim Zadran was the standout performer for Afghanistan, scoring 38 runs off 28 balls at the top of the order.
Despite his efforts, Afghanistan's batting lineup struggled to gain momentum, leading to a heavy defeat under the leadership of Rashid Khan.
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Earlier in the match, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bowl first. This decision allowed the West Indies to set a daunting total of 218-5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Nicholas Pooran was the hero with the bat, playing a sensational innings of 98 runs from 53 balls, including six fours and eight sixes.
Unfortunately, he fell just short of a well-deserved century, getting run out while attempting a second run in the final over.
Johnson Charles also made a valuable contribution, scoring 43 runs off 27 balls, decorated with eight boundaries.
For Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2-14, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq took one wicket each.
Both teams had already secured their spots in the Super 8, having won their first three matches in Group C.
Pacer Romario Shepherd had temporarily left the West Indies camp to attend the birth of his second child.
He is set to rejoin the squad tomorrow, with Obed McCoy stepping in for this match. Afghanistan fielded an unchanged lineup.
Teams:
- West Indies Playing XI: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (w), Shai Hope, Rovman Powell (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy.
- Afghanistan Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
