Cricket Highlights, June 17: WC 2024 (Match 40) – Afghanistan vs West Indies

Afghanistan vs West Indies (Match 40) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the emphatic victory of West Indies over Afghanistan in their final group stage match of the T20 World Cup 2024. Nicholas Pooran’s explosive batting performance set the tone early, leading West Indies to a commanding total of 218 for 5. This overwhelming score was bolstered by Pooran’s blistering 98 off 53 balls, including a historic 36-run over against Azmatullah Omarzai. 

Despite Afghanistan’s efforts, they were bowled out for 114, sealing a 104-run defeat. This match not only highlighted West Indies’ dominance but also showcased Pooran surpassing Chris Gayle as the leading six-hitter for West Indies in T20Is. We will delve into the key moments, standout performances, and the strategic plays that defined this one-sided encounter.

Despite a tentative start, Charles found the boundary with a flurry of edges past short third and point in the early overs. He handled pace well but succumbed to Naveen-ul-Haq’s slower ball, chipping a catch to cover after a challenging duel.

Pooran needed just two balls to settle in on the batting-friendly pitch at Gros Islet, announcing his intent with a record 36-run over off Azmatullah Omarzai. This over included three sixes and two fours, one off a no-ball. Typically, Afghanistan relies on Mujeeb Ur Rahman for Powerplay control, but with him injured, Rashid Khan stepped in early. West Indies welcomed him with two fours, finishing the Powerplay at a record 92 for 1, the highest Powerplay score in men’s T20 World Cups.

At 85 for 1 after five overs, West Indies seemed poised to replicate the high-scoring innings seen in IPL 2024, aiming for scores around or above 250. However, Rashid and Noor Ahmad’s clever use of leg breaks, googlies, and varied lengths, coupled with the pitch’s bounce, stifled the batters. In the middle overs (7 to 16), West Indies managed only 66 runs, losing two wickets, with just one four and three sixes—two of which came from Shai Hope off Mohammad Nabi.

In the 17th over, Pooran ended a boundary drought that started in the Powerplay, capitalizing on a misfield by Gulbadin Naib. He then targeted Rashid’s last over in the 18th, smashing three sixes and a four off full-length deliveries, amassing 24 crucial runs and shifting the momentum firmly towards West Indies. Naib claimed two wickets with his slower deliveries in his final overs. However, Pooran’s back-to-back sixes off Naveen in the last over brought him close to a century before a sharp throw from Omarzai resulted in a run-out.

Afghanistan’s middle order had struggled throughout the tournament, averaging just 19.71, with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran shouldering most of the burden in victories against New Zealand and Uganda. As part of their formidable chase, Gurbaz’s early removal by Akeal Hosein exposed the middle order.

Ibrahim Zadran briefly countered Alzarri Joseph’s errors, hitting a four and two sixes in the first six overs, and managed to get a few runs off Hosein. However, a flick off Obed McCoy found deep backward square leg, leading to his dismissal. McCoy, playing his first match of the tournament, then removed Najibullah Zadran and bowled Nabi, reducing Afghanistan to 63 for 5 by the tenth over. Despite Omarzai’s efforts, Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, and Andre Russell ensured Afghanistan could not mount a comeback.

While the outcome had no impact on the Super Eight seedings, as both teams had already secured their spots, Afghanistan’s chase faltered, resulting in their dismissal for 114, with West Indies’ five bowlers sharing the wickets.

Afghanistan vs West Indies Scoreboard

West Indies – 218/5 (20.0)

Afghanistan – 114 (16.2)

Result – West Indies won by 104 runs

Player of the match – Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran

Afghanistan vs West Indies Playing XIs  

Stay ahead in the world of cricket with our curated Cricket Highlights. Explore thrilling match summaries, standout performances, and in-depth analysis at JeetBuzz News. Don’t miss out, immerse yourself in the excitement now!