1. World Cup T20
The West Indies won by 104 runs against Afghanistan in match No. 6 of the T20 World Cup. The game took place at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet. Captain Rovman Powell scored 43 off 31 balls and took two wickets. His all-round performance helped the Windies dominate both batting and bowling.
2. Nicholas Pooran 98 (45)
West Indies lost the toss and batted first. They delivered a power-hitting display, led by Nicholas Pooran. He smashed 98 runs off 53 balls, including six fours and eight sixes. Pooran was run out in the final over, missing his century. Johnson Charles supported him with 43 off 27 balls. The top order laid a solid platform, while the middle order maintained the momentum to put Afghanistan under pressure.
3. Ball Problems in Afghanistan
Despite winning the toss, Afghanistan’s bowlers lacked rhythm. Gulbadin Naib stood out, taking 2 wickets for 14 runs. Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai picked up a wicket each. However, Windies batters scored freely and dominated the innings.
4. A Lame Duck Afghanistan Chase
Chasing 219, Afghanistan never gained momentum. They were bowled out for 114 in just 16.2 overs. Ibrahim Zadran tried to anchor the innings with 38 runs from 28 balls. But the West Indies bowlers were too strong, and wickets kept falling quickly.
5. Obed McCoy Leads the Charge
Obed McCoy was the top performer with 3 wickets for 14 runs. His pace and accuracy dismantled Afghanistan’s batting. Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein also took 2 wickets each. The Afghan batters struggled to settle at the crease.
6. Key Player Absence
Pacer Romario Shepherd missed the match to be with his family for the birth of his second child. Obed McCoy replaced him and grabbed the opportunity. His performance earned praise from teammates and fans alike.
7. Looking Ahead
With the Super 8 stage coming soon, both teams must reassess their strategies. The West Indies will aim to maintain their winning form. Afghanistan needs major improvements to avoid further setbacks in upcoming must-win games.
8. World Cup Teams
West Indies Players: Brandon, Johnson, Nicholas (w), Shai, Rovman (c), Sherfane, Andre, …
Afghanistan Players: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
