'It Was My Day': Pooran's Historic Performance In West Indies' T20 World Cup Triumph

Nicholas Pooran expressed satisfaction with his performance as West Indies achieved a record-breaking victory over Afghanistan, concluding the T20 World Cup group stage. The match, held in St Lucia on Monday, saw West Indies triumph by 104 runs, setting the highest run total of the tournament so far with 218 runs.

West Indies also registered the highest powerplay score in T20 World Cup history, scoring 92 runs. Pooran contributed significantly with 98 runs off 53 balls, marking the highest individual total in this year's World Cup. Additionally, he broke the record for the most sixes in T20Is for West Indies, surpassing Chris Gayle's previous record of 124 sixes with his eight sixes in this game.

When asked about his performance, Pooran credited the entire team for their consistent efforts. "I felt today was my day and I had to take the responsibility," Pooran said. "When it's your day, you have to make it your day. I assessed the conditions early. It was really important for us to not lose wickets in the middle. We have been really consistent as a team."

Clinical finishing! WI WIN and clean sweep the group stage. Next up, the Supers! #WIREADY | #T20WorldCup | #WIvAFG pic.twitter.com/9K8g7BXMfG

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 18, 2024

Pooran emphasized that their success was not just about this match but a result of consistent efforts over the past 12-14 months. "We have been consistent as a team; we went to No. 3 in the rankings," he added. He also praised Sherfane Rutherford for his performance in the previous game, which inspired the team.

Captain Rovman Powell also highlighted Pooran's hard work over the past year. "I think it is on the back of hard work," Powell said. "He has had a very good 12 months. Good to see him score runs not only in franchise cricket but also for West Indies."

Powell himself contributed 26 runs and witnessed history being made when West Indies scored 36 runs in the fourth over, equalling the record for the most expansive over in men's T20Is. He noted that the team was excited to play in St Lucia, anticipating better batting conditions compared to Guyana and Trinidad.

West Indies will face reigning champions England next in the Super 8s on Wednesday.