T20 World Cup 2024: Pooran, bowlers power WI to 104-run win
In a dominant performance, West Indies defeated Afghanistan by a massive 104 runs in their final group match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Darren Sammy National Stadium. Nicholas Pooran was the star with a blazing knock of 98 runs off just 53 balls. The West Indian bowlers complemented Pooran's brilliance, sealing a convincing victory and securing the top spot in Group C.
Nicholas Pooran's Spectacular Innings
Deciding to bat after losing the toss, things initially went downhill for the West Indies as Brandon King was dismissed in the second over, but Johnson Charles along with Nicholas Pooran brought the team out of the woods very soon. The pair went berserk and established a score of 92/1 in the powerplay, with the highest score in the first six overs in T20 World Cup history. Charles also scored a lively 43 off 27 balls before taking a back seat to allow Pooran to take centre stage.
Although Afghanistan spinners were able to briefly stop the run rate in the middle overs, Pooran didn’t let that get to him. His innings were the epitome of power and precision as he scored ten fours and five sixes. The pressure brought in the last overs by Pooran compelled the Windies to a competitive score of 218/5 which is the highest score achieved by them in the T20 World Cup.
West Indies dominance in the Field
As a result, the situation was hardly in Afghanistan’s favour. West Indies bowlers, especially Obed McCoy continued to keep a check on the proceedings by taking three wickets for the cost of 14 runs in his three overs. Spinners Akeil Hosein and Gudakesh Motie also dominated the Afghani line-up by taking two wickets each.
The batting lineup of Afghanistan could not sustain and lost wickets at regular intervals. The only noteworthy performances were of Ibrahim Zadran (38 off 28 balls) and Azmatullah Omarzai (23 off 19 balls) with the team caving in at 114 all out within 16.2 overs. This victory confirms the entry of West Indies into the Super Eight Stage and has also placed them at the top of Group C boosting their confidence.
With the Super 8 stages officially starting from 19th June, Check out the betting tips and cricket betting odds of the first match (USA vs SA) of the the super eight stage.
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