T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies claim huge 104-run win over Afghanistan

In a decisive group stage match of the T20 World Cup 2024 held at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, the West Indies triumphed over Afghanistan by a substantial margin of 104 runs on Tuesday. 

**Match Highlights:**
- **West Indies Innings:**
  - **Nicholas Pooran** played an extraordinary innings, scoring 98 runs off 53 balls, featuring six fours and eight sixes. Unfortunately, he was run out while attempting a second run in the final over, narrowly missing his century.
  - **Johnson Charles** supported with a brisk 43 runs off 27 balls, including eight boundaries.
  - The West Indies set a formidable total of 218-5 in their allotted 20 overs.
  - **Gulbadin Naib** was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, taking 2-14, while **Azmatullah Omarzai** and **Naveen-ul-Haq** picked up one wicket each.

- **Afghanistan Innings:**
  - Chasing a target of 219, Afghanistan struggled and were bowled out for 114 in 16.2 overs.
  - **Ibrahim Zadran** was the top-scorer with 38 runs off 28 balls.
  - The West Indies' bowlers were exceptional, with **Obed McCoy** taking 3-14, and **Gudakesh Motie** and **Akeal Hosein** each claiming two wickets.
  - Afghanistan's batting lineup, led by captain **Rashid Khan**, could not mount a significant challenge, leading to a comprehensive defeat.

Both teams had already secured their places in the Super 8 by winning their first three matches in Group C, making this match a contest for group supremacy. 

**Team Changes:**
- West Indies pacer **Romario Shepherd** missed the match to be present for the birth of his second child, with **Obed McCoy** stepping in as his replacement.
- Afghanistan fielded an unchanged side from their previous match.

**Playing XI:**
- **West Indies:** Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (w), Shai Hope, Rovman Powell (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy.
- **Afghanistan:** 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.