Pooran’s 98 lifts WI to fourth win in a row
West Indies completed the Group Stage of the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup with a 100 per cent winning record after trouncing Afghanistan by 104 runs on the back of a hurricane 98 by Nicholas Pooran on Monday night.
In a match between two previously unbeaten teams that had already advanced to the Super Eight, West Indies claimed bragging rights to march to their fourth successive victory in Group C.
Pooran entertained a bumper crowd at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on the way to a career-best T20 International score that lifted West Indies to a tournament high 218 for five after they were sent in.
The two-time champions defended the imposing total without much of a challenge from Afghanistan who were limited to 114 in 16.2 overs
Left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy, playing his first match of the tournament, grabbed three for 14 from three overs, while left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, who continue to impress, both collected two wickets.
It was the fireworks of Pooran, however that paved the way for West Indies’ win that followed earlier victories against Papua New Guinea, Uganda and New Zealand.
The left-hander smashed eight sixes and six fours off 53 balls. He was seeking to retain the strike by completing a second run from the fourth ball of the last over when he was run out at the striker’s end with a direct throw from deep cover.
West Indies raced to 92 for one from six overs in the Power Play before Afghanistan kept them in check in the next nine overs that went for 56 runs but Pooran again lifted the tempo in the final five overs that produced 70 runs.
Pooran featured in three successive partnerships that provided the impetus for West Indies’ effort. Opener Johnson Charles made 43 off 27 balls and added 80 for the second wicket in 6.1 overs with Pooran who then put on 33 in 4.1 overs with Shai Hope who struck 26 from 17 balls in his first match of the competition.
Captain Rovman Powell also helped West Indies’ cause by hitting 26 off 15 balls in a fourth wicket partnership of 64 off 6.2 overs with Pooran. (HG)
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