West Indies vs Afghanistan – June 18, 2024 | The West Indies delivered a statement performance in their final group match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, defeating Afghanistan with a commanding display. This match not only secured their unbeaten streak but also set numerous records, leaving cricket enthusiasts and historians in awe.
Match Details | West Indies vs Afghanistan
- Date: June 18, 2024
- Toss: Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field.
- Result: West Indies won by 104 runs.
Batting Performances
- West Indies (Inning-1): Scored 218 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs.
- Notable performances: Nicholas Pooran (98 runs in 53 balls)
- Afghanistan (Inning-2): Scored 114 runs for 10 wickets in 16.2 overs.
Player of the Match
Nicholas Pooran’s explosive innings earned him the Player of the Match award.
Key Players
- West Indies: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell
- Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan
Setting the Stage | West Indies vs Afghanistan
As the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup, the West Indies were already assured of a place in the Super Eight stage. However, they were up against another undefeated team in Group C, Afghanistan, at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia. The match promised to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to maintain their momentum.
The Toss and Early Signs
Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, won the toss and chose to field, aiming for early breakthroughs on a pitch known for its high run rate. This decision seemed to be vindicated when Brandon King was dismissed for 7 off 6 balls in the second over. However, this early success did little to stem the tide that was about to hit them.
The West Indies’ Explosive Start
Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran quickly shifted gears, launching an aggressive counter-attack. Charles set the tone with three boundaries in the third over, but it was Pooran’s astonishing display in the following over that stole the show. Facing Azmatullah Omarzai, Pooran unleashed a 36-run over, including three sixes, a five from a no-ball, and another five from a wide. This remarkable over is only the fifth instance in T20I history where 36 runs have been scored in an over, and the second time it has happened in a T20 World Cup.
Powerplay Records Shattered
By the end of the six-over Powerplay, the West Indies had amassed an astounding 92/1, setting a new record for the highest Powerplay score in Men’s T20 World Cup history. The previous records, such as the 91 by Netherlands against Ireland in 2014 and the 89 by England against South Africa in 2016, paled in comparison.
Continued Dominance
The West Indies’ assault continued unabated. Charles was eventually dismissed for 43 off 27 balls, but not before the hosts had crossed the 100-run mark in just 7.4 overs. At the halfway point of their innings, the West Indies were 113/2, well on their way to a massive total.
Middle Overs and Pooran’s Milestone
Shai Hope provided a valuable cameo, scoring 25 off 17 balls, helping to maintain a run rate above 10. Pooran, meanwhile, reached his half-century in the 14th over off just 31 balls, marking his first fifty in a T20 World Cup. Although the boundaries dried up for a few overs, the West Indies continued to accumulate runs steadily.
Final Onslaught
Rovman Powell reignited the innings with a six to start the 16th over, pushing the score past 150. Pooran found his rhythm again, particularly targeting Rashid Khan in the 18th over, scoring 24 runs. Khan, one of the world’s premier bowlers, had an uncharacteristically expensive outing, conceding 45 runs from his four overs without taking a wicket.
Powell’s dismissal for 26 off 15 balls brought Andre Russell to the crease in the 19th over. Russell’s role was to support Pooran, who was inching towards a century. Starting the final over needing 15 runs for his hundred, Pooran smashed the first two balls for sixes but was run out trying to complete a second run. He finished with 98 off 53 balls, the highest individual score of the tournament thus far.
Afghanistan’s Response
Faced with a daunting target of 219, Afghanistan needed a strong start but suffered an early blow when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck in the first over. Despite a solid partnership between Gulbadin Naib and Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan could only reach 45/1 by the end of the Powerplay.
West Indies’ Dominance with the Ball
Gudakesh Motie struck in the seventh over, triggering a series of wickets that left Afghanistan struggling at 66/5 at the halfway mark. Despite some resistance from Karim Janat and Omarzai, who both hit sixes in the 11th over, Afghanistan never managed to build substantial partnerships.
Afghanistan’s Collapse
Afghanistan’s hopes were dashed when Omarzai was dismissed for 23 off 19 balls in the 13th over. The West Indies bowlers continued to dominate, and Afghanistan’s innings ended at 114 all out, resulting in a 104-run victory for the hosts.
Records and Milestones | West Indies vs Afghanistan
The match between the West Indies and Afghanistan not only witnessed individual brilliance but also saw several records tumble:
- Highest total of Men’s 2024 T20 World Cup: 218/5 by West Indies
- Highest individual innings of Men’s 2024 T20 World Cup: Nicholas Pooran’s 98 off 53 balls
- Highest Powerplay in Men’s T20 World Cup history: 92 runs in 6 overs by West Indies
- Highest total for West Indies in Men’s T20 World Cups
- Equal most runs conceded in one over in Men’s T20 World Cup history: 36 runs off Azmatullah Omarzai’s over
- Second highest team total against Afghanistan in Men’s T20I history
Score Card | West Indies vs Afghanistan
Conclusion | West Indies vs Afghanistan
The West Indies’ comprehensive victory over Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 not only ensured their unbeaten run in the group stage but also sent a clear message to the other teams in the tournament. Their explosive batting, led by Nicholas Pooran’s near-century, and their disciplined bowling performance highlighted their strength and depth.
As the tournament progresses into the Super Eight stage, the West Indies’ formidable form positions them as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. With a blend of aggressive batting, effective bowling, and solid fielding, they have demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s T20 World Cup.
The match on June 18, 2024, between West Indies and Afghanistan will be remembered for the records broken and the breathtaking performances, particularly that of Nicholas Pooran. With this, the West Indies have certainly set the bar high with their dominant display.
In summary, the West Indies vs Afghanistan match showcased the West Indies’ prowess and set multiple records. It has affirmed their status as a powerhouse in T20 cricket. As they move forward in the tournament, their performance will undoubtedly be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts around the world.
