Nicholas Pooran Powers West Indies To Commanding Win Over Afghanistan

Nicholas Pooran delivered a standout performance as West Indies secured a commanding 104-run victory over Afghanistan in their final T20 World Cup group game in St Lucia on Monday. Both teams had already qualified for the Super 8s, but West Indies ensured an unbeaten finish in Group C, setting several records in the process.

Afghanistan struggled to counter the co-hosts' dominant batting display. Johnson Charles contributed 43 off 27 balls before Pooran took centre stage, amassing 98 off 53 balls, including six fours and eight sixes. Although Pooran was run out in the final over, Shai Hope (25) and Rovman Powell (26) had already propelled West Indies to the highest total of the tournament so far with 218-5.

West Indies maintained their momentum during Afghanistan's chase. Akeal Hosein set the tone by dismissing Rashid Khan for a duck in a wicket maiden. Obed McCoy was particularly effective, taking 3-14, including the crucial wicket of Ibrahim Zadran, who had scored 38. Afghanistan were all out for 114 with 22 balls remaining.

Upcoming Matches

West Indies will face holders England in their first Super 8 match on Wednesday, while Afghanistan will play against India the following day.

Nicholas Pooran's magnificent 98 helped West Indies top the group and earned him the @aramco POTM #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/GrOwidL2Ab

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 18, 2024

Data Debrief: West Indies' Record-Breaking Day

The West Indies' score of 218 was their highest-ever at the T20 World Cup. They also registered the highest powerplay score with 92, surpassing the Netherlands' record of 91 against Ireland in 2014. In the fourth over alone, they equalled the record for the most runs scored in a single over in men's T20s with 36 runs.

Pooran has now hit the joint-most sixes in this tournament (13), sharing this feat with USA's Aaron Jones. He also broke Chris Gayle's record for most sixes (128) in T20s for West Indies. Pooran's total of 98 was the highest individual score at this World Cup, pushing him past 2000 runs in T20Is.

Overall, it was a highly successful day for West Indies as they head into the Super 8s with strong momentum.