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During the Group C match between West Indies and Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024, several records were broken. The game was played on Tuesday, with West Indies being asked to bat first. They posted a total of 218/5 in 20 overs, with Nicholas Pooran scoring a rapid 98 off 53 balls. This total was the highest in the ongoing tournament, and Pooran’s performance was the highlight as he became a part of the elite group of batters who have smashed 36 runs in an over in a World Cup match.
In that over, Pooran hit three sixes and three boundaries, with the bowler also bowling a no-ball that resulted in another boundary. This was the second instance in 2024 where 36 runs were scored in an over against Afghanistan. The West Indies also set a record for the highest powerplay score in T20 World Cup history, scoring 92 runs in the first six overs. This surpassed the previous record of 91 runs set by the Netherlands in 2014.
Overall, this powerplay score ranks fourth in T20I history, with the highest being 102/0 scored by South Africa against West Indies in 2023. Pooran’s innings also saw him register the highest individual score in the T20 World Cup, surpassing the previous mark of 94 not out. Aaron Jones of the United States was previously holding this record. The West Indies posted a formidable total before moving on to Super Eight phase of tournament.
It is worth noting that during this match between West Indies and Afghanistan, several other milestones were achieved as well. For example, Chris Gayle became only player to hit six sixes off one bowler when he did so against Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman during his innings.
Additionally, Kieron Pollard set new career best score for himself when he scored an impressive run-a-ball knock of 56 off just four overs which helped team post their massive total.
Overall it was a remarkable performance by both batting lineup and fielders alike as they broke multiple records during their game against Afghanistan.
