KATHMANDU: In the final match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup first round, the West Indies delivered an impressive performance, defeating Afghanistan and securing a spot in the Super Eights stage without suffering a single loss. Played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, the co-hosts aimed to maintain their unbeaten streak against Afghanistan, who also entered the match undefeated in Group C.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Afghanistan's captain Rashid Khan hoped to make early breakthroughs on the pitch that favored batting. However, the West Indies' explosive start, led by Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran, quickly dashed Afghanistan's hopes of containing them. Pooran's remarkable 36-run over, which included two sixes and two boundaries, set the tone for the West Indies' dominance.
Despite losing Charles after a solid partnership, the West Indies continued to build their innings, with contributions from Shai Hope and Rovman Powell. Pooran's aggressive batting propelled the West Indies to a record-breaking total of 218/5, setting several milestones in the process, including the highest team total of the Men’s 2024 T20 World Cup and Pooran surpassing Chris Gayle for the most sixes by a West Indies player in Men’s T20I history.
In response to the daunting target, Afghanistan's chase got off to a rocky start, losing early wickets. Although there were brief efforts to revive the innings, Afghanistan ultimately faltered, folding for 114 runs. The West Indies' comprehensive victory, by a margin of 104 runs, underscores their strength as serious contenders as the tournament progresses into the Super Eights stage.
