West Indies vs Afghanistan ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024 Full Scorecard

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! DONE AND DUSTED! A real Caribbean flare! West Indies win in style by a mammoth margin of 104 runs! 8 wins on the trot and the longest winning streak in the T20Is for the Men In Maroon. Fuller-length delivery, in the slot and there to be hit. Rashid Khan clears his front foot to open up the off side and hoist it over and across the line, but slices and swirls it up high in the night sky. West Indian skipper, Rovman Powell from long off runs ahead towards the mid off region and settles underneath it, keeping his eyes on the ball till end, and takes a good catch. West Indies maintain a clean sheet and wrap up the group stage as the table toppers, with four back-to-back commanding victories.

SIX! Cracker of a shot that! Short in length, on the top of the stumps, Rashid Khan reads the length properly, gets in position quickly and pulls it well over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Good gas! Steams in from over the wicket, and fires in a fuller length ball, on the middle and leg. Fazalhaq Farooqi backs away and knocks it back to the bowler.

WIDE! Short and just outside the leg stump line, Fazalhaq Farooqi half-ducks at it and leaves.

Short and banged into the pitch, angling into the batter. Farooqi backs away from the line of the ball and tries to escape from it, putting the bat in the air. The ball hits the upper half of the bat and drops to the off side.

Fazalhaq Farooqi is the last man in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Sensational bowling this! West Indies just a solitary wicket away from a commanding win. Alzarri Joseph cannons a vicious bumper, angling on the bodyline that comes through very quickly. Naveen-ul-Haq is caught up in an awkward position as he looks to eventually duck it but he keeps the bat in the air and the ball takes off the edge, and flies towards the right of Nicholas Pooran who leaps to his left and tumbles with the momentum but keeps the ball in the gloves.

Short of a good length, on off, Rashid Khan drags the pull shot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Angles it down the leg side, keeps a bit low on the bounce, Rashid Khan sits to duck but it stings on his back and carries back to the keeper.

FOUR! Over the keeper, one bounce and boundary! Short in length, on the bodyline, Rashid Khan bends for a pull shot and slices it over short fine for a boundary.

Touch full and angles into the batter with the arm, Naveen-ul-Haq presses forward and gets the inside edge of the bat onto the pads.

A muted appeal for LBW but just for a moment. Angles it in again, on off, Naveen-ul-Haq comes ahead and gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball pings his pad.

Angles it on off, full in length, Naveen-ul-Haq blocks it off.

On a length angling in with the arm, Naveen-ul-Haq rocks back and chops it in the off side.

FOUR! 100 up for Afghanistan! Gudakesh Motie bowls it on a flatter trajectory on off, Naveen-ul-Haq arches back and cuts it very late and fine for a boundary at deep third.

Naveen-ul-Haq is in at number 10.

OUT! TAKEN! Gudakesh Motie gets his second now! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns away a bit, Noor Ahmad tries a variant of the helicopter shot but fails to get any sort of timing on that, the ball goes up in the air towards long on where Sherfane Rutherford pouches it safely. This inning or Afghanistan is going nowhere!

Gudakesh Motie (3-0-24-1) is back.

A good yorker now, on middle, Noor Ahmad digs it through square leg for one.

Very full and on off, Noor Ahmad goes for the big shot but misses.

Takes pace off again, length too, on off, Rashid Khan pats it down towards covers for another run.

On a length and on off, Noor Ahmad guides it towards third man for a run.

Slower, full again and on middle, Rashid Khan lofts it on the bounce to long on for a single.

FOUR! Good shot! Andre Russell goes full and around off, Rashid Khan gets the chance to free his arms and smacks it over extra covers for a boundary.

Flatter, short and on off, Rashid Khan cuts again towards point where Brandon King lets it through for a single.

Noor Ahmad is in at number 9.

OUT! RUN OUT! It is going from bad to worse for Afghanistan! Akeal Hosein flights this up, full and on off, Rashid Khan steers it towards point, Karim Janat sets off for the run and comes a long way but he is sent back, he slips while retreating and falls on the pitch, Brandon King picks up and throws it to the bowler who takes the bails off with the batter nowhere near the crease. West Indies three wickets away from the win now!

Quicker, short and around off, Rashid Khan cuts it to point.

The Afghan skipper, Rashid Khan walks in at number 8.

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Akeal Hosein floats this up, full and on middle, turns away sharply, Azmatullah Omarzai gets squared up as he tries to work it away, the ball takes the leading edge and loops in the air, Rovman Powell at covers move forward and takes an easy catch. Afghanistan six down now and Akeal Hosein gets his second wicket.

Tossed up, full and on off, Karim Janat drills it towards mid off for a run.

Short and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it towards cover-point for a quick single.

Akeal Hosein (3-0-18-1) is back into the attack for his final over. He replaces Gudakesh Motie.

Good length, on middle, Karim Janat stays back and blocks it down the pitch.

Change of pace, full and on middle, Karim Janat tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run.

BEATEN! Hard length and in that channel outside off, angling away, Karim Janat has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Slower, short of a length and on middle, shaping in, Azmatullah Omarzai stans it towards point for a single.

Touch fuller, outside off, angling away, Azmatullah Omarzai slashes at it but misses.

Back of a length and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it sweetly wide of deep point, the fielder runs to his right and dives to make a good stop. Two runs taken.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai taps it towards covers for one. 16 runs off the over!

SIX! Effortless! Flighted, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai goes a bit inside out, presents the full face of the bat and lofts it beautifully over extra covers for another maximum.

Short and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it towards extra covers.

Floated, full and on off, Karim Janat drills it towards long off for a single.

SIX! BANG! Tossed up, full and on middle, Karim Janat takes a big stride out and smacks it towards the deep mid-wicket fence, the wind takes it well over it for a biggie.

Short and outside off, Karim Janat cuts it towards point where a fumble allows the second run.

Drinks! West Indies are all over Afghanistan here as they have already sent half of their team back to the hut. They will want to quickly wrap things up here now. The Afghans need a miracle to win from here but they will also not want to lose by a huge margin that could dent their confidence. Gudakesh Motie (2-0-8-1) continues.

Bangs it short, and it flies over the stumps, Azmatullah Omarzai sways away from the line and lets it go. What a sensational spell of bowling this is turning out to be for Obed McCoy! Halfway done in the chase, Afghanistan is reeling at 66/5.

Bowls it on the top of the middle, on a length, Karim Janat hops on the back foot and steers it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller in length, at the stumps, Azmatullah Omarzai works this one towards deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Back of a length, angling onto the stumps, Karim Janat nudges it to mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

Karim Janat comes out to the middle now.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! McCoy gets his third and sees the furniture cartwheeling! Totally outfoxed 'The Professor'! Obed McCoy steams in from over the wicket, lands it around off, and tails it sharply back into the batter. Mohammad Nabi is caught off-guard having no clue how to negotiate, the ball skids in quickly, and goes on to uproot the stumps taking a thickish inside edge. Half of the Afghan side is back in the dugout now.

On the back of a length, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai gets a thickish outside edge on the back foot and hits it towards deep third for a single.

Pushes it through, full and on off, Mohammad Nabi lunges ahead and defends it.

Full in length again, at the stumps, Mohammad Nabi leans forward and hits it back to the bowler.

Shade full in length, around off, Azmatullah Omarzai chops it towards backward point for one.

Drags his length, angling in with the arm, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it but finds the fielder at cover.

Full and outside off, Mohammad Nabi backs away and cuts it to point for a single to get off the mark.

Around the wicket, good length on off, Azmatullah Omarzai slaps it to deep covers for a single.

Mohammad Nabi walks out to bat now.

OUT! TAKEN! Second wicket for Obed McCoy and things are getting more and more precarious for Afghanistan here. Obed McCoy bends his back and bangs this short in length, outside off. Najibullah Zadran stays leg side of the ball, arches his back a bit, and goes for an aerial cut shot. Hits it flat and straight into the hands of Johnson Charles who again makes no mistake by pouching it safely at deep extra covers. The local lad, Charles is on a roll here.

Swings it outside off on a length, Najibullah Zadran gets beaten and the ball teases the outside edge of his willow.

Najibullah Zadran is the next man in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Obed McCoy celebrates and Afghanistan is in huge trouble now! McCoy serves it full, and tails it into the batter from the middle stump line, Ibrahim Zadran gets underneath it and flicks it taking the aerial route. He gets the timing right but hits it flatly, not getting the requisite distance. Johnson Charles stationed at deep square leg doesn't have to move an inch and takes a good reverse-cup catch. The dangerous Ibrahim Zadran departs now.

On the back of a length, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it in front of the square for a single at deep point.

FOUR! Shot! Short of a good length, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it past backward point for a cracking boundary.

FOUR BYES! Oh, that beats the batter as well as the keeper! Bowls it shaping in on a length, just on the top of the middle, Azmatullah Omarzai gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball beats Nicholas Pooran and guns to just past through the keeper's helmet for four byes.

Nice and full, tossed up on the off stump line. Ibrahim Zadran lunges ahead and eases it straight to covers to end the over. A successful one for West Indies.

Pulls his length, angling into the off stump, Ibrahim Zadran gets on the back foot and knocks it through the right of covers for a brace.

Flatter and quicker, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai strides out and drives it in between cover-point for a single.

Around the wicket, short and turning away from outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai goes back and across, and punches it towards deep extra covers for a couple of runs.

Azmatullah Omarzai comes out tp the middle now.

OUT! LBW! A huge confident shout for LBW and up goes the finger. Gulbadin Naib after a long conversation with his partner, goes upstairs. Gudakesh Motie comes from around the wicket, and lands it right on the seam, on a fullish length, it keeps straight and doesn't turn a bit. Gulbadin Naib is drawn forward and looks to play a defensive stroke anticipating the ball to turn and plays it over the line. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and thuds his front pad. UltraEdge comes up and confirms there's no nick. Ball Tracking shows that it is clipping the leg stump. Afghanistan two down now. Gudakesh Motie strikes gold in his very first over.

Quicker outside off, on a length, Gulbadin Naib misses to cut it away.

IN THE AIR BUT JUST SHORT! Bangs the shortish length, angling on off, Gulbadin Naib swivels for a pull shot but the ball gets heavy on his bat and slices off the upper half of the bat, up in the air and lands just ahead of the converging deep third fielder. Just a single.

On the back of a length, outside off, it gets an extra bounce as well. Ibrahim Zadran cuts it on the up through backward point for a single.

SIX! In style! Joseph misses his line again and sprays it onto the pads, on a fullish length, Ibrahim Zadran picks it up and flicks it using the pace of the ball, aerially behind deep fine for a maximum.

Short again, in the line of the stumps, Ibrahim Zadran pulls it uppishly and the ball lands behind square leg. The batters run a couple.

FOUR! Just guided away! Cannons a short-pitched delivery, misdirected on the leg side, sets up nicely for the batter. Ibrahim Zadran waits for it and pulls it very fine towards deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

Hits the deck hard, on off, Gulbadin Naib swivels for a pull but mistimes towards widish mid-wicket for a single.

Shorter in length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran cuts it hard but cannot beat point.

Afghanistan are finding it tough to find the boundaries here.

Fires this one full but down the leg side, Gulbadin Naib tries to flick but misses, Nicholas Pooran fails to collect and parries it to short fine leg. It is called a wide and a bye is taken.

Flatter, short and on leg, angling in, Ibrahim Zadran clips it towards mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Nicely played! Flighted, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran comfortably lifts it over mid off for another boundary.

Short and on off, Ibrahim Zadran makes room but punches it to extra covers.

Tossed up, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to short covers.

FOUR! Just over! Floated and around off, Ibrahim Zadran uses his feet, opens the face of the bat and carves it aerially, Johnson Charles at extra covers dives to his right but the ball flies well over him for a boundary.

FOUR! Good shot! Overpitched and on middle, Gulbadin Naib gets inside the line of it and smears it away past mid-wicket for a boundary.

On a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran runs it down to third man for a single.

Action replay! A bit fuller and on off, nips away after hitting the deck, Ibrahim Zadran tries the same shot but misses again.

Swing and a miss! Hits the good length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran tries to slog across the line but fails to connect.

FOUR! Up and over! Pitched up and on off at 144 clicks, Ibrahim Zadran backs away and lofts it away with the wind, the ball goes well over mid off for a boundary.

Alzarri Joseph starts with a full delivery around off, shaping away, Ibrahim Zadran throws his bat at it but misses.

Tossed up, full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drills it towards mid off for one.

Darts this one full and on off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it firmly but straight to extra covers.

Floated, full and on middle, Gulbadin Naib tucks it through mid-wicket for a run.

Short again and around leg, Gulbadin Naib flicks it straight to square leg.

Short and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran punches it towards long on for a single.

FOUR! First boundary of the chase! Flatter, full and on middle, goes in with the arm, Ibrahim Zadran leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers for four runs.

A low full toss, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran looks to drive but gets a bottom edge towards mid on for a run.

Slower one, touch fuller as well, Ibrahim Zadran drills it hard but straight to mid off.

Good bowling! Andre Russell sees the batter back away and bangs in a quick bouncer, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran sways away from it.

Finally they do! On a length and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran nudges it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Back of a length and on off, Ibrahim Zadran punches it to short covers. 8 balls already and Afghanistan are yet to get underway here.

Right on the money! Andre Russell begins with a full delivery, on middle, Ibrahim Zadran knocks it towards mid on.

Andre Russell to bowl the second over.

Slows it up, full and on off, turns away, Gulbadin Naib fends it down. Akeal Hosein starts with a wicket-maiden over!

Quicker, short and on off, Gulbadin Naib moves back and keeps it out to the off side.

Flatter, full and on middle, shaping in, Gulbadin Naib knocks it down the pitch.

Gulbadin Naib is in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Akeal Hosein draws first blood! He gets a wicket in the Powerplay once again. Tosses it up this time, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses his feet to loft it away, but hits it from the toe-end of the bat, the ball lobs up towards mid on where Andre Russell takes a dolly. Early blow for the Afghans as Gurbaz walks back for a duck!

Short again and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz backs away and punches it straight to extra covers.

Akeal Hosein starts with a floated delivery, short and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it out.

IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! 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!

Slower one, full and outside off, Sherfane Rutherford drags it towards long on for a single.

Sherfane Rutherford walks in at number 7.

OUT! RUN OUT! Oh..no! That is just unlucky for Nicholas Pooran! This is another full toss, on off, Nicholas Pooran drills it wide of deep point and turns around for the second run to keep the strike, Azmatullah Omarzai picks up and fires in a rocket throw towards the batter's end and hits bullseye, Pooran puts in a desperate dive but that is not good enough to save him. Nicky P has to go back for a smashing 98 and just misses out on a well-deserved ton.

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.

SIX MORE! This is a freebie! A juicy full toss, on off, Nicholas Pooran moves across a bit and absolutely whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another maximum.

SIX! SMASHED! Naveen-ul-Haq misses the yorker and serves this in the slot, on off, Nicholas Pooran clears his front leg away and dispatches it well over the long off fence for a biggie. He moves into the 90s now! Also, he completes 2000 runs in his illustrious T20I career.

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.

Change of pace, bowls a loopy delivery, outside off, Nicholas Pooran digs it out through covers for one.

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. 200 up for West Indies!

Another slower delivery, full and angling into leg, keeps low, Andre Russell tries to heave it away but misses.

Alert! Dre Russ, Andre Russell walks in at number 6.

OUT! TAKEN! Gulbadin Naib has the last laugh here! He takes pace off again, full and on off, Rovman Powell once again tries to slog across the line, but is early through his shot and gets an outside edge, the ball goes in the air, Nangeyalia Kharote (Sub) at cover-point settles under it and takes a good catch. West Indies four down now!

Slower one, full and on off, Rovman Powell tries to go for the slog again but misses it this time.

SIX! Rovman Powell joins the party! Gulbadin Naib bowls a low full toss, on middle, the Windies' skipper stays deep in his crease and tonks it over the bowler's head for yet another maximum.

Gulbadin Naib (1-0-6-1) is back into the attack.

SIX! Massive! 24 runs off Rashid Khan's over and the Windies are all set for a huge score here. Gives this one a bit more flight, on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes down once again and smokes it over the wide long on fence for six more runs. West Indies have taken 45 runs of Rashid's four overs which is not easy to do at all!

Quicker, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran swipes it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

SIX! Nicky P on fire here! Rashid Khan drags his length back, on middle, Nicholas Pooran rocks back and smashes it over the long on fence for another maximum. The 50-runs partnership comes up with that as well.

FOUR! Just wide! A bit short and on middle, Nicholas Pooran stays back and heaves it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence, the fielder runs to his right but only to watch the ball go past him for a boundary.

SIX! 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.

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!

Another slower one, full and outside off, keep a bit low, Rovman Powell throws his bat at it but misses.

FOUR! This is poor bowling! Naveen-ul-Haq bangs this short and around middle with fine leg up in the circle, Rovman Powell looks to pull but gets a top edge that flies over that fielder for another boundary.

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.

FOUR! Put away! Naveen-ul-Haq misses his length and serves a juicy full toss, outside off, Nicholas Pooran slices it away between deep point and sweeper covers, Najibullah Zadran runs to his right and dives to push the ball back inside but only manages to parry it away to the fence for a boundary.

Back of a length and on middle, Rovman Powell swipes it towards deep square leg for a run.

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.

Naveen-ul-Haq (2-0-13-1) is back into the attack.

Overpitched and on off, Nicholas Pooran jams it out towards extra covers for a run.

In the blockhole now, outside off, Nicholas Pooran steers it towards point and wants the run but is sent back.

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.

Slower, short of a length and on middle, Nicholas Pooran pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Pitched up and on off, Rovman Powell drills it hard wide of long off for a single.

SIX! BANG! What a shot! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves this full and in the slot, on middle, Rovman Powell without much backlift plays the short-arm jab, the ball flies off the middle of the bat over the bowler's head for a biggie.

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.

Nice and full, on the middle, turning into the batter, Rovman Powell gets a thickish inside edge towards widish mid on for a single.

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.

Full and outside off, Nicholas Pooran gets down on one knee and looks to slog it but under edges it towards the leg side.

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.

Almost a yorker at the stumps, Rovman Powell shovels it out and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Too full and on off, Rovman Powell prods ahead and works it down to long on for a single.

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.

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.

Length ball on the middle, Nicholas Pooran nudges it along the ground for a single at deep mid-wicket.

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.

Flat and full, on the leg stump line, Nicholas Pooran clips it to short fine and looks for a single but gets a sendback from his partner.

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.

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.

Short of a length outside the off, Rovman Powell goes for the pull, but gets an inside half of the bat, rolling to wide long-on for a single.

Good length outside off at a gentle pace, Nicholas Pooran late cuts towards short third man for one.

Full on the middle stump. Rovman Powell pushes it down to long on for a single.

Rovman Powell is the next man in.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Gulbadin Naib bowls a slower leg-cutter, and lands it on the fuller length, on the off stump, Shai Hope is early on the shot and slogs it with no real timing, dragging it into the air towards the deep square leg region. Najibullah Zadran patrolling the boundary runs towards his right and stretches his arms to grab the catch successfully. He falls with the running momentum but manages to keep the ball in his hands.

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.

A googly, on a length, and pitching outside off, Nicholas Pooran stays back and works it to mid-wicket for a single.

Drags his length, onto the pads, Shai Hope tucks it off the back foot for a single to deep mid-wicket.

Turns it in from the middle, on a fuller length, Shai Hope plays it over the line of the ball and inside edges just past the leg stump for a brace towards short fine.

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.

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.

15 runs off the over! Looped up, full and on middle, Shai Hope tries to push it away but toe-ends it down to long on for one.

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.

Full and outside the off-stump Shai Hope drives it to the left of diving extra cover.

SIX! 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.

SIX! 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.

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 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 more brute force yet to come, the co-hosts are definitely eyeing for a huge total here.

Rashid Khan ends the over with a googly, on middle, Shai Hope works it through square leg for one more.

Another short delivery, on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through covers for one.

Flatter, short and on middle, Shai Hope tucks it towards mid-wicket for another run.

A googly now, full and on middle, turns in, Shai Hope watches it through and taps it to short covers.

Floated, full and on leg, Nicholas Pooran clips it towards short fine leg for a run.

Short and on middle, Shai Hope moves back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Quicker, short and on off, Shai Hope swats it down to long on for one more.

Flighted, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes down and sweeps it towards deep square leg for one.

Just short! Slows it up, full and on off, turns away, Nicholas Pooran looks to work it away, but close the face of the bat early, the ball goes off the leading edge and rolls to short third man.

Floats it up, full and on middle, Shai Hope flicks it to widish long on for one.

Goes short and on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it through covers for a single.

Tossed up, full and around off, Nicholas Pooran drives it wide of sweeper covers for a couple of runs.

Shai Hope is in at number 4.

OUT! TAKEN! A soft dismissal and the local lad goes back now! Naveen-ul-Haq once again takes pace off, fuller and on off, Johnson Charles gets deceived by the lack of pace and is very early into his shot, the ball flies towards extra covers where Gulbadin Naib dives forward to take a fine catch. Charles goes back after a quick-fire knock here!

Pitched up, on off, Johnson Charles drills it towards mid off, Pooran wants the run but is sent back.

FOUR! 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.

DROPPED! A tough chance though! This is full again and outside off, Johnson Charles goes down to loft it away but has to reach out a long way and mistimes it in the air towards mid off, Mohammad Nabi leaps up, and gets fingertips on it but fails to grab it. Two runs taken.

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.

Fuller and outside off, angling in, Johnson Charles slashes hard at it but fails to connect.

Goes short again, on middle, Nicholas Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.

Floated, full and on middle, Johnson Charles swipes it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Flighted, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran eases it towards long on for another run.

A huge shout for caught behind, but turned down! Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks very confident and convinces Rashid Khan to take the review. Quicker, shortish and on leg, Nicholas Pooran tries to work it away but misses, the ball pops up off his pads behind where Gurbaz grabs it on the second attempt. UltraEdge confirms that it was pad and not bat. Afghanistan loses a review!

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 when the ball passes through the bat, however, it clipped the pads instead. The on-field decision stays. NOT OUT. Afghanistan lose a review here.

Flatter, short again and on off, Johnson Charles moves across and steers it towards backward point for a run.

Noor Ahmad begins with a short delivery, on middle, Nicholas Pooran stays back and nudges it towards the mid on region for a single.

Slower again, good length and on off, Johnson Charles guides it towards short third man. Just seven runs off the over. However, West Indies are 92/1 at the end of the Powerplay. This is the highest Powerplay score in the history of the T20 World Cup.

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.

Change of pace again, on a length and around off, Johnson Charles backs away and just checks his shot at the last moment, the ball lobs up over extra covers. Two runs taken.

Naveen-ul-Haq nails the yorker now, on middle, angling in again, Johnson Charles digs it out down the pitch.

FOUR! 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 sees the batter make room, rolls his fingers to take pace off and tries to keep it out of the reach of the batter, but he bowls it well outside off, Johnson Charles is in no position to play that. Wided.

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.

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.

Shade full in length, at the stumps, Nicholas Pooran drags it towards mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Cut away with precision! This is a brilliant batting display! Rashid Khan bowls it flipper on a fuller length, just on the off-stump line, Nicholas Pooran watches it closely and masterfully cuts it lately through short third for a boundary.

WIDE! Bowls it down the leg side on a fuller length. Wided.

On the top of the stumps, on a length, Nicholas Pooran attempts a reverse sweep but misses.

FOUR! Punished! Overpitched from Rashid, on off, Nicholas Pooran gets a good stride forward and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

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.

Afghanistan are under pressure here and Rashid Khan brings himself into the attack now.

SIX! 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.

SIX! 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.

FOUR! Smashed! Too wide and too full, Nicholas Pooran gets a good stride ahead, half-squats and uppishly drives it over point for a boundary.

FOUR LEG BYES! Swings it onto the pads, on a fuller length, Nicholas Pooran attempts to flick it with strong bottom hand but the ball brushes off the front pad and bullets down to deep fine for four leg byes.

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.

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.

NO BALL AND FOUR! 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.

EDGED AND SIX! 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.

FOUR! 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.

FOUR! 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.

WIDE! Angles it way down the leg side from around the wicket, on a good length, Johnson Charles leaves it alone. Wide signaled.

On the top of off, on a length, Nicholas Pooran dabs it towards short third off the back foot for a single.

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.

FOUR! 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.

Bowls it outside off, on a fuller length at just 109 kph, Johnson Charles prods ahead and finds the cover fielder.

Omarzai bowls it on a length, around off, Nicholas Pooran punches it to covers. A successful over for Afghanistan.

Nicholas Pooran walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! YOU MISS I HIT! Brilliant stuff from Azmatullah Omarzai and Afghanistan get their first man. Azmatullah Omarzai comes in from over the wicket, and lands it full, and around the fourth stump line with a gentle inswing. Brandon King is drawn forward and closes the bat's face way early to flick it to the leg side but misses. The ball sneaks through the willow and rattles the furniture.

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.

EDGED AND FOUR 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.

Good-length delivery angling in around off. Johnson Charles covers the line of the ball and defends it to his right.

EDGED AND FOUR! 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.

Pitches it up, nice and full on the middle and leg channel, Brandon King knocks it straight back to the bowler to end the over. 13 runs off the first over.

Angles it onto the pads, on a length, Brandon King deftly flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Slants it across off on a fuller length, Johnson Charles reaches out to it and drives it through cover-point for a single.

FOUR! Charles is off the mark with a boundary as well!  A loosener 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.

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.

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.

FOUR! 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.

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 - 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 carry. Tells there are some cracks as well but they are not moving much and reckons it should benefit the pacers. Ends up by saying that the wind will be a crucial factor in hitting big shots.

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 they are going with the same team.

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).

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 hosts, West Indies, too, have enjoyed an undefeated run and their challenge against Afghanistan ain't going to be a cakewalk. Nonetheless, the home side has leveraged their knowledge of the local conditions to their advantage, putting them in a slightly stronger position. The Windies' batting prowess has never been a cause for concern, especially in this format which they have dominated over the years. The ever-reliable Nicholas Pooran will be the pivotal batter as always, while Brandon King and Johnson Charles will aim to contribute valuable runs as well. The emerging talent, Sherfane Rutherford who went bonkers in the previous game with the bat against the Kiwis, is another player to watch out for, and Andre Russell is always a threat for any bowling attack when he gets going. Boasting a potent blend of power-hitting aggressive all-rounders, the balanced West Indies side will rely on their bowling attack, with Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, and Gudakesh Motie striving to maintain their impressive form. This clash is between the batting powerhouse of the West Indies versus the formidable bowling attack of Afghanistan, and both teams are pumped up to finish on a high. Stay tuned as the toss and the team updates are up next shortly.

Afghanistan has been one of the unbeaten teams in the competition, winning three on the trot by decimating Uganda first, then crushing the Kiwis and dominating PNG with relative ease. The Afghan batting lineup has been the driving force behind their success, outperforming every bowling attack they have encountered. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, in particular, has been in scintillating form, standing out as the leading run-scorer of the competition so far. His exceptional batting prowess has played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's triumphant run. He is very well complemented by others including Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib. Veteran Mohammad Nabi has also executed his role pretty well by contributing decently as an all-rounder. While spin has traditionally been Afghanistan's forte, with Rashid Khan not at his best, other bowlers have risen to the occasion. Fazalhaq Farooqi has been the standout, tormenting batters and topping the wicket-taking chart. Noor Ahmad has impressed with his crafty economical spells, while Naveen-ul-Haq has supported the pace attack admirably. However, the Windies present a sterner test and the Afghan lads will be aiming to step into the Super 8s with a winning momentum.

Hello and a very warm welcome to everyone joining us for the coverage of the final group stage game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. All eight teams have qualified for the next round of this tournament, the Super 8s. Match number 40 features the two heavyweights from Group C, where Afghanistan is set to go up against the formidable hosts, West Indies at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St. Lucia. Both teams have advanced to the Super 8s and this clash is all about compounding on the positives and a battle to finish as the table-toppers of the group.

... MATCH DAY ...

The group stage of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to culminate with a top-of-the-table clash in Group C between the West Indies and Afghanistan at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia. Both teams, unbeaten and having already secured their progression to the next round, will face off to fine-tune their strategies before the Super 8s. For the two-time champions, the West Indies, the journey has been mostly smooth, with their few stumbles occurring in their batting lineup. Despite Rovman Powell's lack of form, contributions from Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford and Andre Russell have kept the team afloat. The bowling unit has been a collective effort led by Alzarri Joseph and supported by spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, along with contributions from Andre Russell and Romario Shepherd. Afghanistan, on the other hand, have continued where they left off in the last global event in India and have shown that they have what it takes to go all the way. The opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran has been particularly effective, with Gurbaz leading the charge. Concerns about the rest of the batting unit were alleviated when Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi spent crucial time in the middle during their chase against Papua New Guinea. With Mujeeb Ur Rahman ruled out due to an injury to his right index finger, Afghanistan chose not to go for a like-for-like replacement. Instead, they opted to strengthen their batting by adding Hazratullah Zazai as a replacement. On the bowling front, Fazalhaq Farooqi has been outstanding, leading the wicket-takers list for Afghanistan with 12 wickets. Despite the setback of losing Mujeeb, Afghanistan’s spin attack remains formidable, with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad ready to step up. As these two teams prepare to clash, both will aim to address any remaining issues and build momentum for the Super 8s. Who are you backing to come out on top?