WI vs AFG: Gros Islet, St. Lucia (June 18, 2024): The West Indies dismantled Afghanistan by a comprehensive 104-run margin in a one-sided contest of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This dominant win sends a strong message to the rest of the tournament contenders and propels the Windies into the Super 8 stage on a high note.
Afghanistan, after winning the toss, opted to field first. This decision backfired spectacularly as the West Indies openers, Johnson Charles and Brandon King, unleashed an onslaught from the very beginning. The pair put on a blistering 80-run partnership within the powerplay, setting a new record for the highest powerplay total in Men’s T20 World Cup history.
Charles fell for a well-made 43, but the carnage continued. Enter Nicholas Pooran, who arrived at the crease with a point to prove. The left-hander played a dazzling knock, smashing sixes and fours at will. He reached his fifty off just 28 balls and continued to accelerate, eventually falling two runs short of a well-deserved century. His knock of 98 runs off just 53 deliveries propelled the Windies to a mammoth total of 218 for 5 in their 20 overs.
Chasing a near-impossible target, Afghanistan’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hazratullah Zazai managed brief cameos, but wickets fell at regular intervals throughout the innings. The West Indies bowlers shared the spoils, with Obed McCoy picking up three crucial wickets to dismantle the Afghan middle order. Spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie also chipped in with wickets, restricting Afghanistan to a paltry 114 runs in 16.2 overs.
This win marks a complete performance for the West Indies. Their batting showcased power and finesse, with both Charles and Pooran playing outstanding knocks. The bowlers, led by McCoy, displayed excellent control and variation, stifling any hope of a fightback from Afghanistan.
Nicholas Pooran, for his sensational innings, was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match trophy. This dominant victory not only strengthens the West Indies’ position as strong contenders for the World Cup title but also serves as a warning to their upcoming Super 8 opponents. With their batting firing on all cylinders and their bowling attack looking sharp, the Windies are a force to be reckoned with in this tournament.
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