The Afghan bowlers were just getting smoked right from the get-go. Dot balls were like unicorns out there, hardly any to be seen. Azmatullah Omarzai did pick up Brandon King's wicket early, but that was literally the only thing that went right for their bowling in the Powerplay. None of the other bowlers could put a lid on the run-scoring. And to make matters even worse for them, Azmatullah himself got absolutely carted for 36 runs in his second over which just completely opened the floodgates a
Right then, the West Indies have amassed 218 on the board and Afghanistan has a steep slope to climb. A lot will depend on how the Afghanistan openers initiate the innings as they have the requisite firepower in their arsenal. West Indies will be aiming to take early wickets and exert pressure early on. Stay tuned as Afghanistan's reply with the bat is up next shortly.
West Indies have just notched up the highest first innings total in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024, and this is their highest total in the T20 World Cups. But boy, oh boy! Aren't you entertained? A sheer box-office at St. Lucia! The West Indies came out swinging hard right from the start! Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran went bonkers on the Afghan bowlers, despite losing Brandon King super early. Johnson Charles had a bit of a scratchy and an edgy start, but he still found a way to keep
Naveen-ul-Haq to Andre Russell, IN THE AIR AND ! Oh dear! That sums up Afghanistan's day so far! Naveen-ul-Haq bowls another slower delivery, full and on middle, Andre Russell mistimes his slog high in the air towards deep mid-wicket, Rashid Khan runs to his right, gets under it but spills it out in the end. Two runs taken. West Indies finishes on a massive 218/5!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Sherfane Rutherford, Slower one, full and outside off, Sherfane Rutherford drags it towards long on for a single.
Sherfane Rutherford walks in at number 7.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! run out (Azmatullah Omarzai).
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, A good wide yorker now, outside off, Nicholas Pooran goes down across to swipe it away but fails to connect this time. He remains on 97 for now.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Six!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! SMASHED!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Naveen-ul-Haq goes for the slower bouncer, on middle, but this one takes off and goes well over the batter, Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone. Wided.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Gulbadin Naib to Andre Russell, Short of a length and on middle, no pace at all, Andre Russell waits for it a long time but still mistimes his pull towards deep square for just a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Andre Russell, No run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, ! TAKEN! Gulbadin Naib has the last laugh here!
Alert! Dre Russ, Andre Russell walks in at number 6.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, No run.
Gulbadin Naib (1-0-6-1) is back into the attack.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, ! Rovman Powell joins the party!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Massive! 24 runs off Rashid Khan's over and the Windies are all set for a huge score here.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, 2 runs.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Six!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Just wide!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Up, up and away! Flighted, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes down on one knee and nails his slog-sweep this time over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, An appeal for LBW, but turned down! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in, Nicholas Pooran goes down to slog-sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. Rashid Khan after a lot of thinking goes for the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows that it has pitched outside leg. Afghanistan has no reviews left now!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, Another slower one, full and outside off, keep a bit low, Rovman Powell throws his bat at it but misses.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, ! This is poor bowling!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Uppish but safe! On a length and on off, slower again, Nicholas Pooran tries to play at it but the ball goes off the top edge and lands in the vacant square leg region. They cross.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! Put away!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, Back of a length and on middle, Rovman Powell swipes it towards deep square leg for a run.
Naveen-ul-Haq (2-0-13-1) is back into the attack.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Full and outside off, angling away, keeps it out of the reach of the batter, Nicholas Pooran steps across and lofts it towards long off for just a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, Overpitched and on off, Nicholas Pooran jams it out towards extra covers for a run.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, In the blockhole now, outside off, Nicholas Pooran steers it towards point and wants the run but is sent back.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, A good slower bouncer now, on middle, Nicholas Pooran waits and waits for it, but the ball never really arrived and he misses out to ramp it away.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, Slower, short of a length and on middle, Nicholas Pooran pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rovman Powell, Pitched up and on off, Rovman Powell drills it hard wide of long off for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rovman Powell, ! BANG! What a shot!
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Flatter trajectory, on a fuller length, in front of the stumps, Nicholas Pooran goes deep inside the crease and eases it towards backward point to end the over. End of an excellent spell from Noor Ahmad.
Noor Ahmad to Rovman Powell, Nice and full, on the middle, turning into the batter, Rovman Powell gets a thickish inside edge towards widish mid on for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Continues from over the wicket, lands it full and on off, Nicholas Pooran strides out and eases it in front of covers for a quick single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Slider outside off, turning away on a fuller length. Nicholas Pooran goes for an expansive drive but misses. Rahmanullah Gurbaz appeals for caught behind but just momentarily.
Noor Ahmad to Rovman Powell, Almost a yorker at the stumps, Rovman Powell shovels it out and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rovman Powell, Too full and on off, Rovman Powell prods ahead and works it down to long on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, FIRST T20 WORLD CUP 50 FOR NICKY P! 12th of his T20I career as well! Good length, on middle, Nicholas Pooran tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
Rashid Khan to Rovman Powell, Pulls his length, and drops it on a good length, angling onto the pads, Rovman Powell goes back and across and punches it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Length ball on the middle, Nicholas Pooran nudges it along the ground for a single at deep mid-wicket.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Flatter again, on the middle, Nicholas Pooran looks to cut it off the back for but it is too close to play that shot, hence, buts it underneath the bat.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, Takes all the pace off the ball, and lands it on a good length, outside off, Rovman Powell waits for it and cuts it solidly towards deep point for a couple of runs. Azmatullah Omarzai slides in to his left and manages to cut the ball before the fence, restricts it to just a couple of runs.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, Shade short in length, on the top of the middle, Nicholas Pooran stands tall and transfers his weight on the back foot before pulling it away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, Good length outside off at a gentle pace, Nicholas Pooran late cuts towards short third man for one.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, 1 run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, Full on the middle stump. Rovman Powell pushes it down to long on for a single.
Rovman Powell is the next man in.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN!Â
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Comes from around the wicket, full and on middle, Shai Hope lunges ahead and pushes it towards long off for a single to end the over. The spinners have managed to stem the flow of runs to an extent here.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, A googly, on a length, and pitching outside off, Nicholas Pooran stays back and works it to mid-wicket for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Drags his length, onto the pads, Shai Hope tucks it off the back foot for a single to deep mid-wicket.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, 2 runs.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Pulls his length a bit, but keeps it on the stumps, Nicholas Pooran delicately nudges it in front of the square to the leg side for one.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Loops it up, full and on middle, Shai Hope leans on the ball and drives it inside out through widish mid off for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, 1 run.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, Low full toss on the middle, Shai Hope spanks it through mid-wicket for a brace. Najibullah Zadran sprints in from deep mid-wicket to his left and cuts the ball before the ropes. Good fielding.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, No run.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, ! That's MASSIVE! Nabi comes from around the wicket, and lands it on a length, on the off-stump line, Shai Hope slogs it well over the cow corner for a biggie.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, ! Absolutely smoked! Mohammad Nabi drops it right into the hitting arc on middle, Shai Hope gets the desired length and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, Over the wicket, on a length, just on the top of off, Shai Hope rocks back and punches it to mid off.
Drinks! Phew! Are you not entertained? This has been a top-drawer batting from the West Indian batters. Nicholas Pooran and Johnson Charles just didn't spare any Afghan bowler coming their way and smashed the ball at every nuke and corner of the ground with ease. However, the spin duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad have managed to keep things a bit quiet since the last couple of overs, but West Indies is still cruising at a very healthy run rate. And with Nicholas Pooran still unbeaten and m
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Rashid Khan ends the over with a googly, on middle, Shai Hope works it through square leg for one more.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Another short delivery, on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through covers for one.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Flatter, short and on middle, Shai Hope tucks it towards mid-wicket for another run.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, A googly now, full and on middle, turns in, Shai Hope watches it through and taps it to short covers.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Floated, full and on leg, Nicholas Pooran clips it towards short fine leg for a run.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Short and on middle, Shai Hope moves back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Quicker, short and on off, Shai Hope swats it down to long on for one more.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Flighted, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes down and sweeps it towards deep square leg for one.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Just short!
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Floats it up, full and on middle, Shai Hope flicks it to widish long on for one.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Goes short and on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through covers for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, 2 runs.
Shai Hope is in at number 4.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! c Gulbadin Naib b Naveen-ul-Haq.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, No run.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! Fine shot! Naveen-ul-Haq lands this short of a length and on middle, Johnson Charles stands tall and smacks it away wide of deep square leg for a boundary.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! A tough chance though!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Clever bowling! Naveen-ul-Haq takes all the pace off this time, on a length and on off, Johnson Charles looks to guide it down to third man but misses again.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Fuller and outside off, angling in, Johnson Charles slashes hard at it but fails to connect.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Goes short again, on middle, Nicholas Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.
Noor Ahmad to Johnson Charles, 1 run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Is that out? Has Nicholas Pooran nicked it? Rahmanullah Gurbaz is very confident and convinces his skipper, Rashid Khan to go upstairs as he believes the deflected off the bat. But there's nothing on the UltraEdge as the replays come in, and the on-field decision remains. NOT .
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, A huge shout for caught behind, but turned down! Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks very confident and convinces Rashid Khan to take the review.
Noor Ahmad to Johnson Charles, Flatter, short again and on off, Johnson Charles moves across and steers it towards backward point for a run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Noor Ahmad begins with a short delivery, on middle, Nicholas Pooran stays back and nudges it towards the mid on region for a single.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, No run.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, A low full toss, on middle, Johnson Charles drills it hard down the ground but the ball nits the stumps at the non-striker's end and goes nowhere.Â
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, 2 runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Naveen-ul-Haq nails the yorker now, on middle, angling in again, Johnson Charles digs it out down the pitch.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! The boundaries keep on coming! Short of a length and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter, Johnson Charles swivels and pulls it wide of short fine leg for four runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Wide!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, A rare dot! Naveen-ul-Haq starts with a good-length delivery, on middle, angling in sharply, Johnson Charles looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
Rashid Khan to Johnson Charles, A googly on a length and turning on the middle, Johnson Charles prods forward and steers it in front of square for a single to retain the strike.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Cut away with precision! This is a brilliant batting display! Rashid Khan bowls it flipper on a fuller lenght, just on the off stump line, Nicholas Pooran watches it closely and cuts it lately through short third for a boundary.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, WIDE! Bowls it down the leg side on a fuller length. Wided.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Punished! Overpitched from Rashid, on off, Nicholas Pooran gets a good stride forward and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.
Afghanistan are under pressure here and Rashid Khan brings himself into the attack now.
Rashid Khan to Johnson Charles, Rashid starts and lands it on a shortish length, a googly turning in on off, Johnson Charles goes back and across and tucks it towards long on for one.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! 36 RUNS OFF THE OVER! Full and around off, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg and spanks it downtown for a maximum over long off. Nicholas Pooran has taken the Afghan bowlers to the cleaners here. West Indies are off to a flier.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! There's no margin of error against this man! Lands a juicy half-volley right into the hitting zone on the middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran swings across and gets it off the middle of the willow for a maximum over deep mid-wicket.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! Smashed! Too wide and too full, Nicholas Pooran gets a good stride ahead, half-squats and uppishly drives it over point for a boundary.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, 4 Leg byes.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, Bowls a pinpoint yorker on the middle, slightly tailing in, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg and goes for a big shot over the leg side but gets beaten and the ball sneaks through the edge into the wickets.Â
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, FIVE WIDES! Oh dear! Quite wayward from Omarzai! Bowls it way short, and it further takes off the deck and flies over the keeper's head for five wides.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, NO BALL AND ! Gee, this is turning out to be a horror for Afghanistan! Short in length, angling on the top of off, Nicholas Pooran stands tall and pulls it well through mid-wicket for a boundary. A Free-Hit to follow now.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, EDGED AND ! Flies all the way! Azmatullah Omarzai pitches this one up and full on the stumps, Nicholas Pooran goes to clear the deep mid-wicket fence but gets it off the leading edge that flies over deep third for a maximum. The sheer power off the southpaw sails the ball over the fence.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! He is living on a knife's edge here, Charles! But again finds the fence. Slower delivery outside off, on a fuller length, Johnson Charles is quite early on the cover drive and airs it between the cover-point for a boundary.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! He gets the timing right this time! Fazalhaq Farooqi lands this one right underneath the bat on the middle, Johnson Charles cashes onto this friendly half-volley and smashes it down the ground for a boundary to end the over.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, WIDE! Angles it way down the leg side from around the wicket, on a good length, Johnson Charles leaves it alone. Wide signaled.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, On the top of off, on a length, Nicholas Pooran dabs it towards short third off the back foot for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Back of a length, just around off, Johnson Charles stays leg side and knocks it straight towards backward point where the fielder fumbles on the pick-up and allows the batters to fetch a single. Azmatullah Omarzai has a shy at the keeper's end.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! It has been quite an edgy affair for Charles. Three boundaries and all have been streaky! Good length outside off, Johnson Charles throws his bat at it and the ball takes off the outside edge over the top of short third for a boundary.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Bowls it outside off, on a fuller length at just 109 kph, Johnson Charles prods ahead and finds the cover fielder.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Brandon King, ! YOU MISS I HIT! Brilliant stuff from Azmatullah Omarzai and Afghanistan get their first man.
Nicholas Pooran walks out to bat at number 3.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, Good length, swinging into the stumps, Johnson Charles closes the face of the bat and tucks across behind square in the leg side for one.Â
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, EDGED AND AGAIN! Pitches it on a length, on the middle, Johnson Charles moves leg side of the bowl to open his off side but gets it off the thickish outside edge that flies between the keeper and the short third for a boundary.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, No run.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, EDGED AND ! Lucky! Azmatullah Omarzai gets an away movement first up and lands it full and outside off, Johnson Charles draws his front foot in the line and goes for a cover drive, but edges it past the right of the short third for a boundary. He didn't try to hit it too hard.
Azmatullah Omarzai to share the attack.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, No run.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, Angles it onto the pads, on a length, Brandon King deftly flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Slants it across off on a fuller length, Johnson Charles reaches out to it and drives it through cover-point for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! Charles is off the mark with a boundary as well! A loosened from Farooqi, on a length, onto the pads, Johnson Charles clips it through square leg for a boundary. This has been a good start for the Windies.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, No damage whatsoever. Way too full again, but this time angles it on the middle and leg, Brandon King flicks it straight to mid on.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, Over the wicket, and bowls it way fuller in length, outside off. Brandon King looks to shovel it out to the off side but misses. Oh, wait, Fazalhaq Farooqi has overstepped and the Umpire has signaled a No Ball. Free-Hit to follow now.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, ! Couldn't be a better start for the Windies! Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls it nice and full, tailing a shade in on the leg stump, Brandon King cashes on it and flicks it gracefully through mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the Afghanistan spread out and take their respective field positions. Brandon King and local boy, Johnson Charles are the two openers for West Indies. The highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far, Fazalhaq Farooqi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
We are moments away from the start of the last group stage game of this World Cup but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's first followed by the national anthem of West Indies.
PITCH REPORT -Â Natalie Germanos is at the pitchside. She says there's a decent wind blowing across the ground, and also informs about the dimensions of the ground. Says it is 77 meters hit down the ground, and the two square boundaries are 63 meters and 72 meters respectively. Informs that pitch number 2 is being used for this clash. Matthew Hayden joins her and says that it looks like a fantastic wicket as there's a nice covering of grass on it and it will definitely have a good bounce and car
Rovman Powell, the captain of West Indies says that there is more to gain than lose here. Adds that it is an opportunity to build up more confidence and do well in all three departments. Informs that they have made a couple of changes. Says that Romario Shepherd has welcomed his second child and as a team they know that family holds a lot of importance. Ends by saying that Obed McCoy comes in for him while Shai Hope replaces Roston Chase.
Afghanistan's skipper Rashid Khan wins the toss and elects to bowl first. He says that it's just about making sure how they go about in the chase. States that they have adjusted quickly with the conditions and have also seen a couple of games at this venue where the wicket has been bouncy. Adds most of the boys have played in the CPL which will help a lot. Tells that the Toss is not a big advantage and it is more about playing the right brand of cricket and taking positive decisions. Informs th
West Indies (Playing XI) - Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Shai Hope (In place of Roston Chase), Rovman Powell (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy (In place of Romario Shepherd).Â
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
TOSS - Rashid Khan calls it right and Afghanistan have elected to BOWL first.
The Afghan bowlers were just getting smoked right from the get-go. Dot balls were like unicorns out there, hardly any to be seen. Azmatullah Omarzai did pick up Brandon King's wicket early, but that was literally the only thing that went right for their bowling in the Powerplay. None of the other bowlers could put a lid on the run-scoring. And to make matters even worse for them, Azmatullah himself got absolutely carted for 36 runs in his second over which just completely opened the floodgates a
Right then, the West Indies have amassed 218 on the board and Afghanistan has a steep slope to climb. A lot will depend on how the Afghanistan openers initiate the innings as they have the requisite firepower in their arsenal. West Indies will be aiming to take early wickets and exert pressure early on. Stay tuned as Afghanistan's reply with the bat is up next shortly.
West Indies have just notched up the highest first innings total in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024, and this is their highest total in the T20 World Cups. But boy, oh boy! Aren't you entertained? A sheer box-office at St. Lucia! The West Indies came out swinging hard right from the start! Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran went bonkers on the Afghan bowlers, despite losing Brandon King super early. Johnson Charles had a bit of a scratchy and an edgy start, but he still found a way to keep
Naveen-ul-Haq to Andre Russell, IN THE AIR AND ! Oh dear! That sums up Afghanistan's day so far! Naveen-ul-Haq bowls another slower delivery, full and on middle, Andre Russell mistimes his slog high in the air towards deep mid-wicket, Rashid Khan runs to his right, gets under it but spills it out in the end. Two runs taken. West Indies finishes on a massive 218/5!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Sherfane Rutherford, Slower one, full and outside off, Sherfane Rutherford drags it towards long on for a single.
Sherfane Rutherford walks in at number 7.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! run out (Azmatullah Omarzai).
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, A good wide yorker now, outside off, Nicholas Pooran goes down across to swipe it away but fails to connect this time. He remains on 97 for now.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Six!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! SMASHED!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Naveen-ul-Haq goes for the slower bouncer, on middle, but this one takes off and goes well over the batter, Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone. Wided.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Gulbadin Naib to Andre Russell, Short of a length and on middle, no pace at all, Andre Russell waits for it a long time but still mistimes his pull towards deep square for just a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Andre Russell, No run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, ! TAKEN! Gulbadin Naib has the last laugh here!
Alert! Dre Russ, Andre Russell walks in at number 6.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, No run.
Gulbadin Naib (1-0-6-1) is back into the attack.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, ! Rovman Powell joins the party!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Massive! 24 runs off Rashid Khan's over and the Windies are all set for a huge score here.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, 2 runs.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Six!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Just wide!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Up, up and away! Flighted, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes down on one knee and nails his slog-sweep this time over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, An appeal for LBW, but turned down! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in, Nicholas Pooran goes down to slog-sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. Rashid Khan after a lot of thinking goes for the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows that it has pitched outside leg. Afghanistan has no reviews left now!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, Another slower one, full and outside off, keep a bit low, Rovman Powell throws his bat at it but misses.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, ! This is poor bowling!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Uppish but safe! On a length and on off, slower again, Nicholas Pooran tries to play at it but the ball goes off the top edge and lands in the vacant square leg region. They cross.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! Put away!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, Back of a length and on middle, Rovman Powell swipes it towards deep square leg for a run.
Naveen-ul-Haq (2-0-13-1) is back into the attack.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Full and outside off, angling away, keeps it out of the reach of the batter, Nicholas Pooran steps across and lofts it towards long off for just a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, Overpitched and on off, Nicholas Pooran jams it out towards extra covers for a run.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, In the blockhole now, outside off, Nicholas Pooran steers it towards point and wants the run but is sent back.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, A good slower bouncer now, on middle, Nicholas Pooran waits and waits for it, but the ball never really arrived and he misses out to ramp it away.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, Slower, short of a length and on middle, Nicholas Pooran pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rovman Powell, Pitched up and on off, Rovman Powell drills it hard wide of long off for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rovman Powell, ! BANG! What a shot!
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Flatter trajectory, on a fuller length, in front of the stumps, Nicholas Pooran goes deep inside the crease and eases it towards backward point to end the over. End of an excellent spell from Noor Ahmad.
Noor Ahmad to Rovman Powell, Nice and full, on the middle, turning into the batter, Rovman Powell gets a thickish inside edge towards widish mid on for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Continues from over the wicket, lands it full and on off, Nicholas Pooran strides out and eases it in front of covers for a quick single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Slider outside off, turning away on a fuller length. Nicholas Pooran goes for an expansive drive but misses. Rahmanullah Gurbaz appeals for caught behind but just momentarily.
Noor Ahmad to Rovman Powell, Almost a yorker at the stumps, Rovman Powell shovels it out and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rovman Powell, Too full and on off, Rovman Powell prods ahead and works it down to long on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, FIRST T20 WORLD CUP 50 FOR NICKY P! 12th of his T20I career as well! Good length, on middle, Nicholas Pooran tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
Rashid Khan to Rovman Powell, Pulls his length, and drops it on a good length, angling onto the pads, Rovman Powell goes back and across and punches it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Length ball on the middle, Nicholas Pooran nudges it along the ground for a single at deep mid-wicket.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Flatter again, on the middle, Nicholas Pooran looks to cut it off the back for but it is too close to play that shot, hence, buts it underneath the bat.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, Takes all the pace off the ball, and lands it on a good length, outside off, Rovman Powell waits for it and cuts it solidly towards deep point for a couple of runs. Azmatullah Omarzai slides in to his left and manages to cut the ball before the fence, restricts it to just a couple of runs.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, Shade short in length, on the top of the middle, Nicholas Pooran stands tall and transfers his weight on the back foot before pulling it away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, Good length outside off at a gentle pace, Nicholas Pooran late cuts towards short third man for one.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, 1 run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, Full on the middle stump. Rovman Powell pushes it down to long on for a single.
Rovman Powell is the next man in.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN!Â
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Comes from around the wicket, full and on middle, Shai Hope lunges ahead and pushes it towards long off for a single to end the over. The spinners have managed to stem the flow of runs to an extent here.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, A googly, on a length, and pitching outside off, Nicholas Pooran stays back and works it to mid-wicket for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Drags his length, onto the pads, Shai Hope tucks it off the back foot for a single to deep mid-wicket.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, 2 runs.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Pulls his length a bit, but keeps it on the stumps, Nicholas Pooran delicately nudges it in front of the square to the leg side for one.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Loops it up, full and on middle, Shai Hope leans on the ball and drives it inside out through widish mid off for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, 1 run.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, Low full toss on the middle, Shai Hope spanks it through mid-wicket for a brace. Najibullah Zadran sprints in from deep mid-wicket to his left and cuts the ball before the ropes. Good fielding.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, No run.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, ! That's MASSIVE! Nabi comes from around the wicket, and lands it on a length, on the off-stump line, Shai Hope slogs it well over the cow corner for a biggie.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, ! Absolutely smoked! Mohammad Nabi drops it right into the hitting arc on middle, Shai Hope gets the desired length and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, Over the wicket, on a length, just on the top of off, Shai Hope rocks back and punches it to mid off.
Drinks! Phew! Are you not entertained? This has been a top-drawer batting from the West Indian batters. Nicholas Pooran and Johnson Charles just didn't spare any Afghan bowler coming their way and smashed the ball at every nuke and corner of the ground with ease. However, the spin duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad have managed to keep things a bit quiet since the last couple of overs, but West Indies is still cruising at a very healthy run rate. And with Nicholas Pooran still unbeaten and m
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Rashid Khan ends the over with a googly, on middle, Shai Hope works it through square leg for one more.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Another short delivery, on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through covers for one.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Flatter, short and on middle, Shai Hope tucks it towards mid-wicket for another run.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, A googly now, full and on middle, turns in, Shai Hope watches it through and taps it to short covers.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Floated, full and on leg, Nicholas Pooran clips it towards short fine leg for a run.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Short and on middle, Shai Hope moves back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Quicker, short and on off, Shai Hope swats it down to long on for one more.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Flighted, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes down and sweeps it towards deep square leg for one.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Just short!
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Floats it up, full and on middle, Shai Hope flicks it to widish long on for one.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Goes short and on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through covers for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, 2 runs.
Shai Hope is in at number 4.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! c Gulbadin Naib b Naveen-ul-Haq.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, No run.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! Fine shot! Naveen-ul-Haq lands this short of a length and on middle, Johnson Charles stands tall and smacks it away wide of deep square leg for a boundary.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! A tough chance though!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Clever bowling! Naveen-ul-Haq takes all the pace off this time, on a length and on off, Johnson Charles looks to guide it down to third man but misses again.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Fuller and outside off, angling in, Johnson Charles slashes hard at it but fails to connect.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Goes short again, on middle, Nicholas Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.
Noor Ahmad to Johnson Charles, 1 run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Is that out? Has Nicholas Pooran nicked it? Rahmanullah Gurbaz is very confident and convinces his skipper, Rashid Khan to go upstairs as he believes the deflected off the bat. But there's nothing on the UltraEdge as the replays come in, and the on-field decision remains. NOT .
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, A huge shout for caught behind, but turned down! Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks very confident and convinces Rashid Khan to take the review.
Noor Ahmad to Johnson Charles, Flatter, short again and on off, Johnson Charles moves across and steers it towards backward point for a run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Noor Ahmad begins with a short delivery, on middle, Nicholas Pooran stays back and nudges it towards the mid on region for a single.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, No run.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, A low full toss, on middle, Johnson Charles drills it hard down the ground but the ball nits the stumps at the non-striker's end and goes nowhere.Â
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, 2 runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Naveen-ul-Haq nails the yorker now, on middle, angling in again, Johnson Charles digs it out down the pitch.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! The boundaries keep on coming! Short of a length and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter, Johnson Charles swivels and pulls it wide of short fine leg for four runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Wide!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, A rare dot! Naveen-ul-Haq starts with a good-length delivery, on middle, angling in sharply, Johnson Charles looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
Rashid Khan to Johnson Charles, A googly on a length and turning on the middle, Johnson Charles prods forward and steers it in front of square for a single to retain the strike.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Cut away with precision! This is a brilliant batting display! Rashid Khan bowls it flipper on a fuller lenght, just on the off stump line, Nicholas Pooran watches it closely and cuts it lately through short third for a boundary.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, WIDE! Bowls it down the leg side on a fuller length. Wided.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Punished! Overpitched from Rashid, on off, Nicholas Pooran gets a good stride forward and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.
Afghanistan are under pressure here and Rashid Khan brings himself into the attack now.
Rashid Khan to Johnson Charles, Rashid starts and lands it on a shortish length, a googly turning in on off, Johnson Charles goes back and across and tucks it towards long on for one.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! 36 RUNS OFF THE OVER! Full and around off, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg and spanks it downtown for a maximum over long off. Nicholas Pooran has taken the Afghan bowlers to the cleaners here. West Indies are off to a flier.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! There's no margin of error against this man! Lands a juicy half-volley right into the hitting zone on the middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran swings across and gets it off the middle of the willow for a maximum over deep mid-wicket.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! Smashed! Too wide and too full, Nicholas Pooran gets a good stride ahead, half-squats and uppishly drives it over point for a boundary.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, 4 Leg byes.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, Bowls a pinpoint yorker on the middle, slightly tailing in, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg and goes for a big shot over the leg side but gets beaten and the ball sneaks through the edge into the wickets.Â
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, FIVE WIDES! Oh dear! Quite wayward from Omarzai! Bowls it way short, and it further takes off the deck and flies over the keeper's head for five wides.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, NO BALL AND ! Gee, this is turning out to be a horror for Afghanistan! Short in length, angling on the top of off, Nicholas Pooran stands tall and pulls it well through mid-wicket for a boundary. A Free-Hit to follow now.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, EDGED AND ! Flies all the way! Azmatullah Omarzai pitches this one up and full on the stumps, Nicholas Pooran goes to clear the deep mid-wicket fence but gets it off the leading edge that flies over deep third for a maximum. The sheer power off the southpaw sails the ball over the fence.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! He is living on a knife's edge here, Charles! But again finds the fence. Slower delivery outside off, on a fuller length, Johnson Charles is quite early on the cover drive and airs it between the cover-point for a boundary.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! He gets the timing right this time! Fazalhaq Farooqi lands this one right underneath the bat on the middle, Johnson Charles cashes onto this friendly half-volley and smashes it down the ground for a boundary to end the over.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, WIDE! Angles it way down the leg side from around the wicket, on a good length, Johnson Charles leaves it alone. Wide signaled.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, On the top of off, on a length, Nicholas Pooran dabs it towards short third off the back foot for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Back of a length, just around off, Johnson Charles stays leg side and knocks it straight towards backward point where the fielder fumbles on the pick-up and allows the batters to fetch a single. Azmatullah Omarzai has a shy at the keeper's end.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! It has been quite an edgy affair for Charles. Three boundaries and all have been streaky! Good length outside off, Johnson Charles throws his bat at it and the ball takes off the outside edge over the top of short third for a boundary.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Bowls it outside off, on a fuller length at just 109 kph, Johnson Charles prods ahead and finds the cover fielder.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Brandon King, ! YOU MISS I HIT! Brilliant stuff from Azmatullah Omarzai and Afghanistan get their first man.
Nicholas Pooran walks out to bat at number 3.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, Good length, swinging into the stumps, Johnson Charles closes the face of the bat and tucks across behind square in the leg side for one.Â
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, EDGED AND AGAIN! Pitches it on a length, on the middle, Johnson Charles moves leg side of the bowl to open his off side but gets it off the thickish outside edge that flies between the keeper and the short third for a boundary.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, No run.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, EDGED AND ! Lucky! Azmatullah Omarzai gets an away movement first up and lands it full and outside off, Johnson Charles draws his front foot in the line and goes for a cover drive, but edges it past the right of the short third for a boundary. He didn't try to hit it too hard.
Azmatullah Omarzai to share the attack.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, No run.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, Angles it onto the pads, on a length, Brandon King deftly flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Slants it across off on a fuller length, Johnson Charles reaches out to it and drives it through cover-point for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! Charles is off the mark with a boundary as well! A loosened from Farooqi, on a length, onto the pads, Johnson Charles clips it through square leg for a boundary. This has been a good start for the Windies.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, No damage whatsoever. Way too full again, but this time angles it on the middle and leg, Brandon King flicks it straight to mid on.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, Over the wicket, and bowls it way fuller in length, outside off. Brandon King looks to shovel it out to the off side but misses. Oh, wait, Fazalhaq Farooqi has overstepped and the Umpire has signaled a No Ball. Free-Hit to follow now.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, ! Couldn't be a better start for the Windies! Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls it nice and full, tailing a shade in on the leg stump, Brandon King cashes on it and flicks it gracefully through mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the Afghanistan spread out and take their respective field positions. Brandon King and local boy, Johnson Charles are the two openers for West Indies. The highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far, Fazalhaq Farooqi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
We are moments away from the start of the last group stage game of this World Cup but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's first followed by the national anthem of West Indies.
PITCH REPORT -Â Natalie Germanos is at the pitchside. She says there's a decent wind blowing across the ground, and also informs about the dimensions of the ground. Says it is 77 meters hit down the ground, and the two square boundaries are 63 meters and 72 meters respectively. Informs that pitch number 2 is being used for this clash. Matthew Hayden joins her and says that it looks like a fantastic wicket as there's a nice covering of grass on it and it will definitely have a good bounce and car
Rovman Powell, the captain of West Indies says that there is more to gain than lose here. Adds that it is an opportunity to build up more confidence and do well in all three departments. Informs that they have made a couple of changes. Says that Romario Shepherd has welcomed his second child and as a team they know that family holds a lot of importance. Ends by saying that Obed McCoy comes in for him while Shai Hope replaces Roston Chase.
Afghanistan's skipper Rashid Khan wins the toss and elects to bowl first. He says that it's just about making sure how they go about in the chase. States that they have adjusted quickly with the conditions and have also seen a couple of games at this venue where the wicket has been bouncy. Adds most of the boys have played in the CPL which will help a lot. Tells that the Toss is not a big advantage and it is more about playing the right brand of cricket and taking positive decisions. Informs th
West Indies (Playing XI) - Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Shai Hope (In place of Roston Chase), Rovman Powell (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy (In place of Romario Shepherd).Â
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
TOSS - Rashid Khan calls it right and Afghanistan have elected to BOWL first.
Afghanistan
114/10(16.2 Overs)
The Afghan bowlers were just getting smoked right from the get-go. Dot balls were like unicorns out there, hardly any to be seen. Azmatullah Omarzai did pick up Brandon King's wicket early, but that was literally the only thing that went right for their bowling in the Powerplay. None of the other bowlers could put a lid on the run-scoring. And to make matters even worse for them, Azmatullah himself got absolutely carted for 36 runs in his second over which just completely opened the floodgates a
Right then, the West Indies have amassed 218 on the board and Afghanistan has a steep slope to climb. A lot will depend on how the Afghanistan openers initiate the innings as they have the requisite firepower in their arsenal. West Indies will be aiming to take early wickets and exert pressure early on. Stay tuned as Afghanistan's reply with the bat is up next shortly.
West Indies have just notched up the highest first innings total in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024, and this is their highest total in the T20 World Cups. But boy, oh boy! Aren't you entertained? A sheer box-office at St. Lucia! The West Indies came out swinging hard right from the start! Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran went bonkers on the Afghan bowlers, despite losing Brandon King super early. Johnson Charles had a bit of a scratchy and an edgy start, but he still found a way to keep
Naveen-ul-Haq to Andre Russell, IN THE AIR AND ! Oh dear! That sums up Afghanistan's day so far! Naveen-ul-Haq bowls another slower delivery, full and on middle, Andre Russell mistimes his slog high in the air towards deep mid-wicket, Rashid Khan runs to his right, gets under it but spills it out in the end. Two runs taken. West Indies finishes on a massive 218/5!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Sherfane Rutherford, Slower one, full and outside off, Sherfane Rutherford drags it towards long on for a single.
Sherfane Rutherford walks in at number 7.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! run out (Azmatullah Omarzai).
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, A good wide yorker now, outside off, Nicholas Pooran goes down across to swipe it away but fails to connect this time. He remains on 97 for now.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Six!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! SMASHED!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Naveen-ul-Haq goes for the slower bouncer, on middle, but this one takes off and goes well over the batter, Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone. Wided.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Gulbadin Naib to Andre Russell, Short of a length and on middle, no pace at all, Andre Russell waits for it a long time but still mistimes his pull towards deep square for just a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Andre Russell, No run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, ! TAKEN! Gulbadin Naib has the last laugh here!
Alert! Dre Russ, Andre Russell walks in at number 6.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, No run.
Gulbadin Naib (1-0-6-1) is back into the attack.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, ! Rovman Powell joins the party!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Massive! 24 runs off Rashid Khan's over and the Windies are all set for a huge score here.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, 2 runs.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Six!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Just wide!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Up, up and away! Flighted, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes down on one knee and nails his slog-sweep this time over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, An appeal for LBW, but turned down! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in, Nicholas Pooran goes down to slog-sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. Rashid Khan after a lot of thinking goes for the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows that it has pitched outside leg. Afghanistan has no reviews left now!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, Another slower one, full and outside off, keep a bit low, Rovman Powell throws his bat at it but misses.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, ! This is poor bowling!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Uppish but safe! On a length and on off, slower again, Nicholas Pooran tries to play at it but the ball goes off the top edge and lands in the vacant square leg region. They cross.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! Put away!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, Back of a length and on middle, Rovman Powell swipes it towards deep square leg for a run.
Naveen-ul-Haq (2-0-13-1) is back into the attack.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Full and outside off, angling away, keeps it out of the reach of the batter, Nicholas Pooran steps across and lofts it towards long off for just a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, Overpitched and on off, Nicholas Pooran jams it out towards extra covers for a run.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, In the blockhole now, outside off, Nicholas Pooran steers it towards point and wants the run but is sent back.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, A good slower bouncer now, on middle, Nicholas Pooran waits and waits for it, but the ball never really arrived and he misses out to ramp it away.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, Slower, short of a length and on middle, Nicholas Pooran pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rovman Powell, Pitched up and on off, Rovman Powell drills it hard wide of long off for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rovman Powell, ! BANG! What a shot!
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Flatter trajectory, on a fuller length, in front of the stumps, Nicholas Pooran goes deep inside the crease and eases it towards backward point to end the over. End of an excellent spell from Noor Ahmad.
Noor Ahmad to Rovman Powell, Nice and full, on the middle, turning into the batter, Rovman Powell gets a thickish inside edge towards widish mid on for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Continues from over the wicket, lands it full and on off, Nicholas Pooran strides out and eases it in front of covers for a quick single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Slider outside off, turning away on a fuller length. Nicholas Pooran goes for an expansive drive but misses. Rahmanullah Gurbaz appeals for caught behind but just momentarily.
Noor Ahmad to Rovman Powell, Almost a yorker at the stumps, Rovman Powell shovels it out and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rovman Powell, Too full and on off, Rovman Powell prods ahead and works it down to long on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, FIRST T20 WORLD CUP 50 FOR NICKY P! 12th of his T20I career as well! Good length, on middle, Nicholas Pooran tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
Rashid Khan to Rovman Powell, Pulls his length, and drops it on a good length, angling onto the pads, Rovman Powell goes back and across and punches it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Length ball on the middle, Nicholas Pooran nudges it along the ground for a single at deep mid-wicket.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Flatter again, on the middle, Nicholas Pooran looks to cut it off the back for but it is too close to play that shot, hence, buts it underneath the bat.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, Takes all the pace off the ball, and lands it on a good length, outside off, Rovman Powell waits for it and cuts it solidly towards deep point for a couple of runs. Azmatullah Omarzai slides in to his left and manages to cut the ball before the fence, restricts it to just a couple of runs.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, Shade short in length, on the top of the middle, Nicholas Pooran stands tall and transfers his weight on the back foot before pulling it away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, Good length outside off at a gentle pace, Nicholas Pooran late cuts towards short third man for one.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, 1 run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, Full on the middle stump. Rovman Powell pushes it down to long on for a single.
Rovman Powell is the next man in.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN!Â
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Comes from around the wicket, full and on middle, Shai Hope lunges ahead and pushes it towards long off for a single to end the over. The spinners have managed to stem the flow of runs to an extent here.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, A googly, on a length, and pitching outside off, Nicholas Pooran stays back and works it to mid-wicket for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Drags his length, onto the pads, Shai Hope tucks it off the back foot for a single to deep mid-wicket.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, 2 runs.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Pulls his length a bit, but keeps it on the stumps, Nicholas Pooran delicately nudges it in front of the square to the leg side for one.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Loops it up, full and on middle, Shai Hope leans on the ball and drives it inside out through widish mid off for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, 1 run.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, Low full toss on the middle, Shai Hope spanks it through mid-wicket for a brace. Najibullah Zadran sprints in from deep mid-wicket to his left and cuts the ball before the ropes. Good fielding.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, No run.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, ! That's MASSIVE! Nabi comes from around the wicket, and lands it on a length, on the off-stump line, Shai Hope slogs it well over the cow corner for a biggie.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, ! Absolutely smoked! Mohammad Nabi drops it right into the hitting arc on middle, Shai Hope gets the desired length and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, Over the wicket, on a length, just on the top of off, Shai Hope rocks back and punches it to mid off.
Drinks! Phew! Are you not entertained? This has been a top-drawer batting from the West Indian batters. Nicholas Pooran and Johnson Charles just didn't spare any Afghan bowler coming their way and smashed the ball at every nuke and corner of the ground with ease. However, the spin duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad have managed to keep things a bit quiet since the last couple of overs, but West Indies is still cruising at a very healthy run rate. And with Nicholas Pooran still unbeaten and m
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Rashid Khan ends the over with a googly, on middle, Shai Hope works it through square leg for one more.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Another short delivery, on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through covers for one.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Flatter, short and on middle, Shai Hope tucks it towards mid-wicket for another run.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, A googly now, full and on middle, turns in, Shai Hope watches it through and taps it to short covers.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Floated, full and on leg, Nicholas Pooran clips it towards short fine leg for a run.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Short and on middle, Shai Hope moves back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Quicker, short and on off, Shai Hope swats it down to long on for one more.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Flighted, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes down and sweeps it towards deep square leg for one.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Just short!
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Floats it up, full and on middle, Shai Hope flicks it to widish long on for one.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Goes short and on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through covers for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, 2 runs.
Shai Hope is in at number 4.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! c Gulbadin Naib b Naveen-ul-Haq.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, No run.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! Fine shot! Naveen-ul-Haq lands this short of a length and on middle, Johnson Charles stands tall and smacks it away wide of deep square leg for a boundary.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! A tough chance though!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Clever bowling! Naveen-ul-Haq takes all the pace off this time, on a length and on off, Johnson Charles looks to guide it down to third man but misses again.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Fuller and outside off, angling in, Johnson Charles slashes hard at it but fails to connect.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Goes short again, on middle, Nicholas Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.
Noor Ahmad to Johnson Charles, 1 run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Is that out? Has Nicholas Pooran nicked it? Rahmanullah Gurbaz is very confident and convinces his skipper, Rashid Khan to go upstairs as he believes the deflected off the bat. But there's nothing on the UltraEdge as the replays come in, and the on-field decision remains. NOT .
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, A huge shout for caught behind, but turned down! Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks very confident and convinces Rashid Khan to take the review.
Noor Ahmad to Johnson Charles, Flatter, short again and on off, Johnson Charles moves across and steers it towards backward point for a run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Noor Ahmad begins with a short delivery, on middle, Nicholas Pooran stays back and nudges it towards the mid on region for a single.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, No run.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, A low full toss, on middle, Johnson Charles drills it hard down the ground but the ball nits the stumps at the non-striker's end and goes nowhere.Â
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, 2 runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Naveen-ul-Haq nails the yorker now, on middle, angling in again, Johnson Charles digs it out down the pitch.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! The boundaries keep on coming! Short of a length and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter, Johnson Charles swivels and pulls it wide of short fine leg for four runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Wide!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, A rare dot! Naveen-ul-Haq starts with a good-length delivery, on middle, angling in sharply, Johnson Charles looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
Rashid Khan to Johnson Charles, A googly on a length and turning on the middle, Johnson Charles prods forward and steers it in front of square for a single to retain the strike.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Cut away with precision! This is a brilliant batting display! Rashid Khan bowls it flipper on a fuller lenght, just on the off stump line, Nicholas Pooran watches it closely and cuts it lately through short third for a boundary.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, WIDE! Bowls it down the leg side on a fuller length. Wided.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Punished! Overpitched from Rashid, on off, Nicholas Pooran gets a good stride forward and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.
Afghanistan are under pressure here and Rashid Khan brings himself into the attack now.
Rashid Khan to Johnson Charles, Rashid starts and lands it on a shortish length, a googly turning in on off, Johnson Charles goes back and across and tucks it towards long on for one.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! 36 RUNS OFF THE OVER! Full and around off, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg and spanks it downtown for a maximum over long off. Nicholas Pooran has taken the Afghan bowlers to the cleaners here. West Indies are off to a flier.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! There's no margin of error against this man! Lands a juicy half-volley right into the hitting zone on the middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran swings across and gets it off the middle of the willow for a maximum over deep mid-wicket.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! Smashed! Too wide and too full, Nicholas Pooran gets a good stride ahead, half-squats and uppishly drives it over point for a boundary.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, 4 Leg byes.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, Bowls a pinpoint yorker on the middle, slightly tailing in, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg and goes for a big shot over the leg side but gets beaten and the ball sneaks through the edge into the wickets.Â
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, FIVE WIDES! Oh dear! Quite wayward from Omarzai! Bowls it way short, and it further takes off the deck and flies over the keeper's head for five wides.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, NO BALL AND ! Gee, this is turning out to be a horror for Afghanistan! Short in length, angling on the top of off, Nicholas Pooran stands tall and pulls it well through mid-wicket for a boundary. A Free-Hit to follow now.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, EDGED AND ! Flies all the way! Azmatullah Omarzai pitches this one up and full on the stumps, Nicholas Pooran goes to clear the deep mid-wicket fence but gets it off the leading edge that flies over deep third for a maximum. The sheer power off the southpaw sails the ball over the fence.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! He is living on a knife's edge here, Charles! But again finds the fence. Slower delivery outside off, on a fuller length, Johnson Charles is quite early on the cover drive and airs it between the cover-point for a boundary.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! He gets the timing right this time! Fazalhaq Farooqi lands this one right underneath the bat on the middle, Johnson Charles cashes onto this friendly half-volley and smashes it down the ground for a boundary to end the over.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, WIDE! Angles it way down the leg side from around the wicket, on a good length, Johnson Charles leaves it alone. Wide signaled.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, On the top of off, on a length, Nicholas Pooran dabs it towards short third off the back foot for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Back of a length, just around off, Johnson Charles stays leg side and knocks it straight towards backward point where the fielder fumbles on the pick-up and allows the batters to fetch a single. Azmatullah Omarzai has a shy at the keeper's end.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! It has been quite an edgy affair for Charles. Three boundaries and all have been streaky! Good length outside off, Johnson Charles throws his bat at it and the ball takes off the outside edge over the top of short third for a boundary.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Bowls it outside off, on a fuller length at just 109 kph, Johnson Charles prods ahead and finds the cover fielder.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Brandon King, ! YOU MISS I HIT! Brilliant stuff from Azmatullah Omarzai and Afghanistan get their first man.
Nicholas Pooran walks out to bat at number 3.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, Good length, swinging into the stumps, Johnson Charles closes the face of the bat and tucks across behind square in the leg side for one.Â
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, EDGED AND AGAIN! Pitches it on a length, on the middle, Johnson Charles moves leg side of the bowl to open his off side but gets it off the thickish outside edge that flies between the keeper and the short third for a boundary.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, No run.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, EDGED AND ! Lucky! Azmatullah Omarzai gets an away movement first up and lands it full and outside off, Johnson Charles draws his front foot in the line and goes for a cover drive, but edges it past the right of the short third for a boundary. He didn't try to hit it too hard.
Azmatullah Omarzai to share the attack.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, No run.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, Angles it onto the pads, on a length, Brandon King deftly flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Slants it across off on a fuller length, Johnson Charles reaches out to it and drives it through cover-point for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! Charles is off the mark with a boundary as well! A loosened from Farooqi, on a length, onto the pads, Johnson Charles clips it through square leg for a boundary. This has been a good start for the Windies.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, No damage whatsoever. Way too full again, but this time angles it on the middle and leg, Brandon King flicks it straight to mid on.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, Over the wicket, and bowls it way fuller in length, outside off. Brandon King looks to shovel it out to the off side but misses. Oh, wait, Fazalhaq Farooqi has overstepped and the Umpire has signaled a No Ball. Free-Hit to follow now.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, ! Couldn't be a better start for the Windies! Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls it nice and full, tailing a shade in on the leg stump, Brandon King cashes on it and flicks it gracefully through mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the Afghanistan spread out and take their respective field positions. Brandon King and local boy, Johnson Charles are the two openers for West Indies. The highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far, Fazalhaq Farooqi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
We are moments away from the start of the last group stage game of this World Cup but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's first followed by the national anthem of West Indies.
PITCH REPORT -Â Natalie Germanos is at the pitchside. She says there's a decent wind blowing across the ground, and also informs about the dimensions of the ground. Says it is 77 meters hit down the ground, and the two square boundaries are 63 meters and 72 meters respectively. Informs that pitch number 2 is being used for this clash. Matthew Hayden joins her and says that it looks like a fantastic wicket as there's a nice covering of grass on it and it will definitely have a good bounce and car
Rovman Powell, the captain of West Indies says that there is more to gain than lose here. Adds that it is an opportunity to build up more confidence and do well in all three departments. Informs that they have made a couple of changes. Says that Romario Shepherd has welcomed his second child and as a team they know that family holds a lot of importance. Ends by saying that Obed McCoy comes in for him while Shai Hope replaces Roston Chase.
Afghanistan's skipper Rashid Khan wins the toss and elects to bowl first. He says that it's just about making sure how they go about in the chase. States that they have adjusted quickly with the conditions and have also seen a couple of games at this venue where the wicket has been bouncy. Adds most of the boys have played in the CPL which will help a lot. Tells that the Toss is not a big advantage and it is more about playing the right brand of cricket and taking positive decisions. Informs th
West Indies (Playing XI) - Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Shai Hope (In place of Roston Chase), Rovman Powell (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy (In place of Romario Shepherd).Â
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
TOSS - Rashid Khan calls it right and Afghanistan have elected to BOWL first.
The Afghan bowlers were just getting smoked right from the get-go. Dot balls were like unicorns out there, hardly any to be seen. Azmatullah Omarzai did pick up Brandon King's wicket early, but that was literally the only thing that went right for their bowling in the Powerplay. None of the other bowlers could put a lid on the run-scoring. And to make matters even worse for them, Azmatullah himself got absolutely carted for 36 runs in his second over which just completely opened the floodgates a
Right then, the West Indies have amassed 218 on the board and Afghanistan has a steep slope to climb. A lot will depend on how the Afghanistan openers initiate the innings as they have the requisite firepower in their arsenal. West Indies will be aiming to take early wickets and exert pressure early on. Stay tuned as Afghanistan's reply with the bat is up next shortly.
West Indies have just notched up the highest first innings total in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024, and this is their highest total in the T20 World Cups. But boy, oh boy! Aren't you entertained? A sheer box-office at St. Lucia! The West Indies came out swinging hard right from the start! Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran went bonkers on the Afghan bowlers, despite losing Brandon King super early. Johnson Charles had a bit of a scratchy and an edgy start, but he still found a way to keep
Naveen-ul-Haq to Andre Russell, IN THE AIR AND ! Oh dear! That sums up Afghanistan's day so far! Naveen-ul-Haq bowls another slower delivery, full and on middle, Andre Russell mistimes his slog high in the air towards deep mid-wicket, Rashid Khan runs to his right, gets under it but spills it out in the end. Two runs taken. West Indies finishes on a massive 218/5!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Sherfane Rutherford, Slower one, full and outside off, Sherfane Rutherford drags it towards long on for a single.
Sherfane Rutherford walks in at number 7.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! run out (Azmatullah Omarzai).
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, A good wide yorker now, outside off, Nicholas Pooran goes down across to swipe it away but fails to connect this time. He remains on 97 for now.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Six!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! SMASHED!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Naveen-ul-Haq goes for the slower bouncer, on middle, but this one takes off and goes well over the batter, Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone. Wided.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Gulbadin Naib to Andre Russell, Short of a length and on middle, no pace at all, Andre Russell waits for it a long time but still mistimes his pull towards deep square for just a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Andre Russell, No run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, ! TAKEN! Gulbadin Naib has the last laugh here!
Alert! Dre Russ, Andre Russell walks in at number 6.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, No run.
Gulbadin Naib (1-0-6-1) is back into the attack.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, ! Rovman Powell joins the party!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Massive! 24 runs off Rashid Khan's over and the Windies are all set for a huge score here.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, 2 runs.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Six!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Just wide!
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Up, up and away! Flighted, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes down on one knee and nails his slog-sweep this time over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, An appeal for LBW, but turned down! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in, Nicholas Pooran goes down to slog-sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. Rashid Khan after a lot of thinking goes for the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows that it has pitched outside leg. Afghanistan has no reviews left now!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, Another slower one, full and outside off, keep a bit low, Rovman Powell throws his bat at it but misses.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, ! This is poor bowling!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Uppish but safe! On a length and on off, slower again, Nicholas Pooran tries to play at it but the ball goes off the top edge and lands in the vacant square leg region. They cross.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, ! Put away!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Rovman Powell, Back of a length and on middle, Rovman Powell swipes it towards deep square leg for a run.
Naveen-ul-Haq (2-0-13-1) is back into the attack.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Nicholas Pooran, Full and outside off, angling away, keeps it out of the reach of the batter, Nicholas Pooran steps across and lofts it towards long off for just a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, Overpitched and on off, Nicholas Pooran jams it out towards extra covers for a run.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, In the blockhole now, outside off, Nicholas Pooran steers it towards point and wants the run but is sent back.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, A good slower bouncer now, on middle, Nicholas Pooran waits and waits for it, but the ball never really arrived and he misses out to ramp it away.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, Slower, short of a length and on middle, Nicholas Pooran pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rovman Powell, Pitched up and on off, Rovman Powell drills it hard wide of long off for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Rovman Powell, ! BANG! What a shot!
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Flatter trajectory, on a fuller length, in front of the stumps, Nicholas Pooran goes deep inside the crease and eases it towards backward point to end the over. End of an excellent spell from Noor Ahmad.
Noor Ahmad to Rovman Powell, Nice and full, on the middle, turning into the batter, Rovman Powell gets a thickish inside edge towards widish mid on for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Continues from over the wicket, lands it full and on off, Nicholas Pooran strides out and eases it in front of covers for a quick single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Slider outside off, turning away on a fuller length. Nicholas Pooran goes for an expansive drive but misses. Rahmanullah Gurbaz appeals for caught behind but just momentarily.
Noor Ahmad to Rovman Powell, Almost a yorker at the stumps, Rovman Powell shovels it out and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Rashid Khan to Rovman Powell, Too full and on off, Rovman Powell prods ahead and works it down to long on for a single.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, FIRST T20 WORLD CUP 50 FOR NICKY P! 12th of his T20I career as well! Good length, on middle, Nicholas Pooran tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.
Rashid Khan to Rovman Powell, Pulls his length, and drops it on a good length, angling onto the pads, Rovman Powell goes back and across and punches it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Length ball on the middle, Nicholas Pooran nudges it along the ground for a single at deep mid-wicket.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Flatter again, on the middle, Nicholas Pooran looks to cut it off the back for but it is too close to play that shot, hence, buts it underneath the bat.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, Takes all the pace off the ball, and lands it on a good length, outside off, Rovman Powell waits for it and cuts it solidly towards deep point for a couple of runs. Azmatullah Omarzai slides in to his left and manages to cut the ball before the fence, restricts it to just a couple of runs.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, Shade short in length, on the top of the middle, Nicholas Pooran stands tall and transfers his weight on the back foot before pulling it away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Gulbadin Naib to Nicholas Pooran, Good length outside off at a gentle pace, Nicholas Pooran late cuts towards short third man for one.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, 1 run.
Gulbadin Naib to Rovman Powell, Full on the middle stump. Rovman Powell pushes it down to long on for a single.
Rovman Powell is the next man in.
Gulbadin Naib to Shai Hope, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN!Â
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Comes from around the wicket, full and on middle, Shai Hope lunges ahead and pushes it towards long off for a single to end the over. The spinners have managed to stem the flow of runs to an extent here.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, A googly, on a length, and pitching outside off, Nicholas Pooran stays back and works it to mid-wicket for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Drags his length, onto the pads, Shai Hope tucks it off the back foot for a single to deep mid-wicket.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, 2 runs.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Pulls his length a bit, but keeps it on the stumps, Nicholas Pooran delicately nudges it in front of the square to the leg side for one.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Loops it up, full and on middle, Shai Hope leans on the ball and drives it inside out through widish mid off for a single.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, 1 run.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, Low full toss on the middle, Shai Hope spanks it through mid-wicket for a brace. Najibullah Zadran sprints in from deep mid-wicket to his left and cuts the ball before the ropes. Good fielding.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, No run.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, ! That's MASSIVE! Nabi comes from around the wicket, and lands it on a length, on the off-stump line, Shai Hope slogs it well over the cow corner for a biggie.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, ! Absolutely smoked! Mohammad Nabi drops it right into the hitting arc on middle, Shai Hope gets the desired length and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.
Mohammad Nabi to Shai Hope, Over the wicket, on a length, just on the top of off, Shai Hope rocks back and punches it to mid off.
Drinks! Phew! Are you not entertained? This has been a top-drawer batting from the West Indian batters. Nicholas Pooran and Johnson Charles just didn't spare any Afghan bowler coming their way and smashed the ball at every nuke and corner of the ground with ease. However, the spin duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad have managed to keep things a bit quiet since the last couple of overs, but West Indies is still cruising at a very healthy run rate. And with Nicholas Pooran still unbeaten and m
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Rashid Khan ends the over with a googly, on middle, Shai Hope works it through square leg for one more.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Another short delivery, on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through covers for one.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Flatter, short and on middle, Shai Hope tucks it towards mid-wicket for another run.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, A googly now, full and on middle, turns in, Shai Hope watches it through and taps it to short covers.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, Floated, full and on leg, Nicholas Pooran clips it towards short fine leg for a run.
Rashid Khan to Shai Hope, Short and on middle, Shai Hope moves back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Quicker, short and on off, Shai Hope swats it down to long on for one more.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Flighted, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes down and sweeps it towards deep square leg for one.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Just short!
Noor Ahmad to Shai Hope, Floats it up, full and on middle, Shai Hope flicks it to widish long on for one.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Goes short and on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through covers for a single.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, 2 runs.
Shai Hope is in at number 4.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! c Gulbadin Naib b Naveen-ul-Haq.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, No run.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! Fine shot! Naveen-ul-Haq lands this short of a length and on middle, Johnson Charles stands tall and smacks it away wide of deep square leg for a boundary.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! A tough chance though!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Clever bowling! Naveen-ul-Haq takes all the pace off this time, on a length and on off, Johnson Charles looks to guide it down to third man but misses again.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Fuller and outside off, angling in, Johnson Charles slashes hard at it but fails to connect.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Goes short again, on middle, Nicholas Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.
Noor Ahmad to Johnson Charles, 1 run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Is that out? Has Nicholas Pooran nicked it? Rahmanullah Gurbaz is very confident and convinces his skipper, Rashid Khan to go upstairs as he believes the deflected off the bat. But there's nothing on the UltraEdge as the replays come in, and the on-field decision remains. NOT .
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, A huge shout for caught behind, but turned down! Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks very confident and convinces Rashid Khan to take the review.
Noor Ahmad to Johnson Charles, Flatter, short again and on off, Johnson Charles moves across and steers it towards backward point for a run.
Noor Ahmad to Nicholas Pooran, Noor Ahmad begins with a short delivery, on middle, Nicholas Pooran stays back and nudges it towards the mid on region for a single.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, No run.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, A low full toss, on middle, Johnson Charles drills it hard down the ground but the ball nits the stumps at the non-striker's end and goes nowhere.Â
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, 2 runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Naveen-ul-Haq nails the yorker now, on middle, angling in again, Johnson Charles digs it out down the pitch.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, ! The boundaries keep on coming! Short of a length and on middle, sits up nicely for the batter, Johnson Charles swivels and pulls it wide of short fine leg for four runs.
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, Wide!
Naveen-ul-Haq to Johnson Charles, A rare dot! Naveen-ul-Haq starts with a good-length delivery, on middle, angling in sharply, Johnson Charles looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
Rashid Khan to Johnson Charles, A googly on a length and turning on the middle, Johnson Charles prods forward and steers it in front of square for a single to retain the strike.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, 1 run.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Cut away with precision! This is a brilliant batting display! Rashid Khan bowls it flipper on a fuller lenght, just on the off stump line, Nicholas Pooran watches it closely and cuts it lately through short third for a boundary.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, WIDE! Bowls it down the leg side on a fuller length. Wided.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Rashid Khan to Nicholas Pooran, ! Punished! Overpitched from Rashid, on off, Nicholas Pooran gets a good stride forward and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.
Afghanistan are under pressure here and Rashid Khan brings himself into the attack now.
Rashid Khan to Johnson Charles, Rashid starts and lands it on a shortish length, a googly turning in on off, Johnson Charles goes back and across and tucks it towards long on for one.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! 36 RUNS OFF THE OVER! Full and around off, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg and spanks it downtown for a maximum over long off. Nicholas Pooran has taken the Afghan bowlers to the cleaners here. West Indies are off to a flier.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! There's no margin of error against this man! Lands a juicy half-volley right into the hitting zone on the middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran swings across and gets it off the middle of the willow for a maximum over deep mid-wicket.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, ! Smashed! Too wide and too full, Nicholas Pooran gets a good stride ahead, half-squats and uppishly drives it over point for a boundary.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, 4 Leg byes.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, Bowls a pinpoint yorker on the middle, slightly tailing in, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg and goes for a big shot over the leg side but gets beaten and the ball sneaks through the edge into the wickets.Â
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, FIVE WIDES! Oh dear! Quite wayward from Omarzai! Bowls it way short, and it further takes off the deck and flies over the keeper's head for five wides.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, NO BALL AND ! Gee, this is turning out to be a horror for Afghanistan! Short in length, angling on the top of off, Nicholas Pooran stands tall and pulls it well through mid-wicket for a boundary. A Free-Hit to follow now.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, EDGED AND ! Flies all the way! Azmatullah Omarzai pitches this one up and full on the stumps, Nicholas Pooran goes to clear the deep mid-wicket fence but gets it off the leading edge that flies over deep third for a maximum. The sheer power off the southpaw sails the ball over the fence.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! He is living on a knife's edge here, Charles! But again finds the fence. Slower delivery outside off, on a fuller length, Johnson Charles is quite early on the cover drive and airs it between the cover-point for a boundary.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! He gets the timing right this time! Fazalhaq Farooqi lands this one right underneath the bat on the middle, Johnson Charles cashes onto this friendly half-volley and smashes it down the ground for a boundary to end the over.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, WIDE! Angles it way down the leg side from around the wicket, on a good length, Johnson Charles leaves it alone. Wide signaled.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Nicholas Pooran, On the top of off, on a length, Nicholas Pooran dabs it towards short third off the back foot for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Back of a length, just around off, Johnson Charles stays leg side and knocks it straight towards backward point where the fielder fumbles on the pick-up and allows the batters to fetch a single. Azmatullah Omarzai has a shy at the keeper's end.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! It has been quite an edgy affair for Charles. Three boundaries and all have been streaky! Good length outside off, Johnson Charles throws his bat at it and the ball takes off the outside edge over the top of short third for a boundary.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Bowls it outside off, on a fuller length at just 109 kph, Johnson Charles prods ahead and finds the cover fielder.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Nicholas Pooran, No run.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Brandon King, ! YOU MISS I HIT! Brilliant stuff from Azmatullah Omarzai and Afghanistan get their first man.
Nicholas Pooran walks out to bat at number 3.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, Good length, swinging into the stumps, Johnson Charles closes the face of the bat and tucks across behind square in the leg side for one.Â
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, EDGED AND AGAIN! Pitches it on a length, on the middle, Johnson Charles moves leg side of the bowl to open his off side but gets it off the thickish outside edge that flies between the keeper and the short third for a boundary.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, No run.
Azmatullah Omarzai to Johnson Charles, EDGED AND ! Lucky! Azmatullah Omarzai gets an away movement first up and lands it full and outside off, Johnson Charles draws his front foot in the line and goes for a cover drive, but edges it past the right of the short third for a boundary. He didn't try to hit it too hard.
Azmatullah Omarzai to share the attack.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, No run.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, Angles it onto the pads, on a length, Brandon King deftly flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, Slants it across off on a fuller length, Johnson Charles reaches out to it and drives it through cover-point for a single.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Johnson Charles, ! Charles is off the mark with a boundary as well! A loosened from Farooqi, on a length, onto the pads, Johnson Charles clips it through square leg for a boundary. This has been a good start for the Windies.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, No damage whatsoever. Way too full again, but this time angles it on the middle and leg, Brandon King flicks it straight to mid on.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, Over the wicket, and bowls it way fuller in length, outside off. Brandon King looks to shovel it out to the off side but misses. Oh, wait, Fazalhaq Farooqi has overstepped and the Umpire has signaled a No Ball. Free-Hit to follow now.
Fazalhaq Farooqi to Brandon King, ! Couldn't be a better start for the Windies! Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls it nice and full, tailing a shade in on the leg stump, Brandon King cashes on it and flicks it gracefully through mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the Afghanistan spread out and take their respective field positions. Brandon King and local boy, Johnson Charles are the two openers for West Indies. The highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far, Fazalhaq Farooqi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
We are moments away from the start of the last group stage game of this World Cup but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's first followed by the national anthem of West Indies.
PITCH REPORT -Â Natalie Germanos is at the pitchside. She says there's a decent wind blowing across the ground, and also informs about the dimensions of the ground. Says it is 77 meters hit down the ground, and the two square boundaries are 63 meters and 72 meters respectively. Informs that pitch number 2 is being used for this clash. Matthew Hayden joins her and says that it looks like a fantastic wicket as there's a nice covering of grass on it and it will definitely have a good bounce and car
Rovman Powell, the captain of West Indies says that there is more to gain than lose here. Adds that it is an opportunity to build up more confidence and do well in all three departments. Informs that they have made a couple of changes. Says that Romario Shepherd has welcomed his second child and as a team they know that family holds a lot of importance. Ends by saying that Obed McCoy comes in for him while Shai Hope replaces Roston Chase.
Afghanistan's skipper Rashid Khan wins the toss and elects to bowl first. He says that it's just about making sure how they go about in the chase. States that they have adjusted quickly with the conditions and have also seen a couple of games at this venue where the wicket has been bouncy. Adds most of the boys have played in the CPL which will help a lot. Tells that the Toss is not a big advantage and it is more about playing the right brand of cricket and taking positive decisions. Informs th
West Indies (Playing XI) - Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Shai Hope (In place of Roston Chase), Rovman Powell (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy (In place of Romario Shepherd).Â
Afghanistan (Unchanged Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (C), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
TOSS - Rashid Khan calls it right and Afghanistan have elected to BOWL first.