Confident West Indies secured a dominant 104-run victory over Afghanistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, chased a daunting target of 219 runs but were bowled out for just 114 in 16.2 overs. West Indies’ bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, with Obed McCoy taking the lead with figures of 3-14. Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein also made significant contributions, each claiming two wickets.
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Ibrahim Zadran was Afghanistan’s standout player, scoring 38 runs from 28 balls as an opener. Despite Zadran’s efforts, Afghanistan struggled to build partnerships, resulting in a comprehensive defeat under Rashid Khan’s captaincy.
Earlier, Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field first, allowing West Indies to set a formidable total of 218-5 in their 20 overs. Nicholas Pooran was the star with the bat, hitting 98 runs off 53 balls, including six fours and eight sixes. However, he narrowly missed a century, being run out while attempting a second run in the final over. Johnson Charles also contributed valuably, scoring 43 runs off 27 balls with eight boundaries.
For Afghanistan, Gulbadin Naib was the most successful bowler with figures of 2-14, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq took one wicket each.
Both teams had already secured their places in the Super 8 stage, having won all three of their matches in Group C. Romario Shepherd briefly left the West Indies squad to attend the birth of his second child and will rejoin the team tomorrow, with Obed McCoy stepping in as his replacement. Afghanistan fielded the same team as in their previous matches.
