The West Indies roared into contention as the T20 World Cup group stage wrapped up. Already in the Super Eights, they crushed Afghanistan, another unbeaten team from Group C, in Saint Lucia. This dominant display silenced doubters and left cricket fans awestruck. Record-Breaking West Indies

Captain Rashid Khan of Afghanistan elected to field first, hoping for early wickets on the high-scoring Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. However, ominous signs emerged from the get-go for the Afghans.

Here’s a Look at What Happened

It was a masterclass in sheer power hitting that demanded witnessing to be believed.

Brandon King’s dismissal (7 off 6) in the second over did little to faze the West Indies. In the blink of an eye, Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran found an unstoppable rhythm.

Pooran went berserk, smashing Omarzai for a record-breaking 36-run over (6, 5NB, 5WD, 0, 4LB, 4, 6, 6).

A rare feat – only the fifth 36-run over in Men’s T20Is and second in a World Cup – propelled their partnership to a blazing 50 by the end of the over.

The punishment wasn’t over. The West Indies duo continued their assault, reaching a record-breaking 92/1 at the Powerplay’s end – the highest ever in a Men’s T20 World Cup.

West Indies Unleash Record-Breaking Powerplay in 2024

Dominant Power Play Starts in T20 World Cup History (as of June 18, 2024):

1. West Indies (92): The 2024 tournament witnessed a historic display by the West Indies against Afghanistan. Their ruthless batting attack set a new record for the highest Powerplay total (92/1) in a Men’s T20 World Cup.
2. Netherlands (91): Back in 2014, the Dutch surprised everyone with a blazing 91-run Power Play against Ireland.
3. England’s Powerplay Prowess: Back in 2016, England displayed their power hitting against South Africa, smashing 89 runs in the first six overs.
4. South Africa (83): Not to be outdone, South Africa responded in kind against England in the same 2016 tournament, putting up 83 runs during the Powerplay.
5. India (82): The 2021 edition saw India dominate Scotland with a powerful 82-run Powerplay display.

Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled again. The West Indies crushed their highest World Cup total by the 7th over.

Johnson Charles kept scoring, blasting the West Indies to 100 runs in just 7.4 overs. His amazing 43 runs from 27 balls ended in the eighth over, but not before he and Pooran combined for a match-winning 80-run partnership in just six overs.

West Indies Batting Blitz

The West Indies cruised to drinks at a dominant 113/2, with dreams of further batting history brewing.

Shai Hope’s quickfire cameo (25 off 17) kept the run rate above 10, while Pooran reached his first T20 World Cup fifty in a blistering 31 balls. Though boundaries slowed momentarily, Rovman Powell reignited the scoring with a towering six in the 16th over, taking them past 150.

Pooran Takes Center Stage

Pooran rediscovered his touch, smashing a magnificent 24 runs off Rashid Khan‘s 18th over. The Afghan spinner’s four overs yielded a shocking 45 runs without a wicket.

Powell’s dismissal (26 off 15) brought Andre Russell to the crease with one crucial task: get Pooran back on strike. Pooran, hungry for a century (starting the final over 15 runs shy), hammered two consecutive sixes, leaving him three runs away. He guided one through the covers but was sensationally run out by Omarzai for a career-best 98 off 53 balls – the highest individual score of the tournament so far.

West Indies Reach Mammoth Total

Undeterred, the West Indies finished with a monumental 218/5, their highest T20 World Cup total and the highest score of the competition thus far.

A Record-Shattering Innings: The West Indies Rewrite the History Books

The West Indies’ batting lineup tore through the Afghan bowling attack in the final Group C match of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, rewriting several records in the process. Here’s a breakdown of their historic performance:

Highest Total of Men’s 2024 T20 World Cup:

The West Indies’ dominant batting display established a new benchmark for the tournament. Their score of 218/5 surpassed any total previously witnessed in the competition.

Highest Individual Innings of Men’s 2024 T20 World Cup:

Nicholas Pooran led the West Indies’ charge with a near-century (98 off 53 balls). This explosive knock became the highest individual score of the entire competition so far.

Highest Powerplay in Men’s T20 World Cup History:

The West Indies redefined dominance in the Powerplay overs. They amassed a record-breaking 92 runs in the first six overs, showcasing their aggressive batting approach from the very beginning.

Highest Total for West Indies in Men’s T20 World Cups:

This explosive batting performance also secured the highest total ever posted by the West Indies in a T20 World Cup match. They surpassed their previous bests to etch their name in the history books.

Equaled Most Runs Conceded in One Over in Men’s T20 World Cup History:

Pooran’s rampage included a brutal 36-run over off Azmatullah Omarzai. This tied the record for the most runs conceded in a single over of Men’s T20I history.

Second Highest Team Total Against Afghanistan in Men’s T20I History:

This massive score of 218/5 also marked the second-highest total ever posted against Afghanistan in a Men’s T20I match. The West Indies batting assault put the Afghan bowlers under immense pressure.

Pooran Overtakes Gayle for Most Sixes by a West Indies Player in Men’s T20I History:

Pooran’s power-hitting prowess not only propelled the team’s score but also helped him achieve a personal milestone. He surpassed Chris Gayle for the most sixes by a West Indies batsman in Men’s T20I history.

Faced with a daunting target, Afghanistan knew they needed a flying start. A third-ball dismissal for Rahmanullah Gurbaz (0 off 3) didn’t help their cause, as he skied one straight to Russell in the field.

Undeterred, Gulbadin Naib and Ibrahim Zadran steadied the ship, guiding Afghanistan to a cautious 45/1 after the Powerplay overs.

However, the West Indies bowlers tightened the screws. Gutakesh Motie triggered a collapse, picking up wickets at regular intervals. By the drinks break, Afghanistan were reeling at 66/5.

A glimmer of hope emerged after the break. Karim Janat and Omarzai, looking refreshed, launched some sixes in the 11th over. But Omarzai’s dismissal in the 13th over (23 off 19) proved to be another setback, and the West Indies maintained control from there.

Afghanistan crumbled, reaching only 114 all out. The West Indies’ dominant bowling sealed a crushing 104-run victory. This loss is Afghanistan’s first in the World Cup, offering them lessons for the next round. The West Indies, meanwhile, head into the next stage brimming with confidence.

The West Indies, on the other hand, enter the next stage brimming with confidence. Their record-breaking performance served as a stark warning to their competitors, solidifying their position as a major title contender. Record-Breaking West Indies

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Head-to-Head: A One-Sided Affair (but Can Afghanistan Bounce Back?)

The lone T20 World Cup meeting between NZ vs  AFG in 2021 resulted in a dominant New Zealand victory by 8 wickets. Chasing a modest target of 125, the Kiwis showcased their batting prowess with an unbeaten 76-run stand between Kane Williamson and Devon Conway.

Top Performers: Who Will Shine in Guyana?

NZ Batsmen:

• Kane Williamson: A proven performer against Afghanistan, Williamson’s experience and calm demeanor make him a top pick for your fantasy team.
• Devon Conway: His unbeaten knock in the 2021 encounter highlights his ability to handle Afghan bowling.
• Daryl Mitchell: Though not featuring prominently in the 2021 match, Mitchell’s recent form makes him a contender.

AFG Batsmen:

• Najibullah Zadran: The lone warrior in the 2021 match, Zadran’s attacking style could pose a threat to the NZ bowling attack.

NZ Bowlers:

• Trent Boult: His exceptional performance (3 wickets for 17 runs) in the 2021 encounter makes him a crucial pick.
• Tim Southee: Southee’s experience and swing bowling could trouble the Afghan batsmen.

AFG Bowlers:

• Rashid Khan: A world-renowned spinner, Khan’s ability to take wickets and restrict runs is undeniable.

Fantasy Cricket Tips: Building Your Dream Team

While the 2021 encounter provides some insights, both teams boast talented players who can turn the tide. Here are some additional factors to consider when picking your fantasy team:

• Recent Form: Look at the players’ recent performances in T20 matches to gauge their current form.
• Match Conditions: The pitch and weather conditions in Guyana could favor certain players or bowling styles.
• Team Roles: Consider the roles players fulfill within their respective teams. Openers and specialist bowlers often score higher fantasy points.

Beyond the 2021 Match: A Look at the Squads

Here’s a glimpse into the current squads for both teams:

Afghanistan:

• Hazratullah Zazai
• Mohammad Shahzad (wk)
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz
• Gulbadin Naib
• Najibullah Zadran
• Mohammad Nabi (c)
• Karim Janat
• Rashid Khan
• Sharafuddin Ashraf/Mujeeb ur Rehman
• Naveen ul Haq
• Hamid Hassan

New Zealand:

• Kane Williamson (c)
• Finn Allen
• Trent Boult
• Michael Bracewell
• Mark Chapman
• Devon Conway
• Lockie Ferguson
• Matt Henry
• Daryl Mitchell
• Jimmy Neesham
• Glenn Phillips
• Rachin Ravindra
• Mitchell Santner
• Ish Sodhi
• Tim Southee
• Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears

Who Will Prevail in Guyana?

While New Zealand appears to be the favorite based on past performance and player experience, Afghanistan has the potential to surprise with their fighting spirit and talented individuals. The outcome will likely depend on which team adapts better to the Guyana pitch and executes their game plan more effectively.

Stay Updated: Follow the Match Live!

For the latest updates, live scores, and expert analysis, be sure to tune in to the live broadcast of the NZ vs AFG match on June 7th, 2024. Additionally, follow official cricket websites and social media channels for further insights. Build Your Winning Team for NZ vs AFG T20 World Cup 2024

NZ vs AFG Dream11 Team:

• Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vc)
• Batsmen: Kane Williamson, Ibrahim Zadran, Daryl Mitchell (c)
• All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Mitchell Santner
• Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Reasoning:

• Wicketkeeper: Gurbaz is an aggressive batsman who can score big runs at the top. Conway is a solid option as well.
• Batsmen: Williamson is a must-have with his experience and consistent batting. Zadran has been in good form and Mitchell provides a good all-round option.
• All-rounders: Nabi is a proven all-rounder with both batting and bowling capabilities. Santner offers a good bowling option with his left-arm spin.
• Bowlers: Ferguson and Boult are experienced pace bowlers who can take wickets upfront. Farooqi is a good young fast bowler with express pace.

Alternative Picks:

• Batsman: Rachin Ravindra – He can be a good option if you want to go for a slightly cheaper option than Mitchell.
• Bowler: Rashid Khan – Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner is always a wicket-taking threat, but his price tag is quite high.

Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:

• Captain: Daryl Mitchell – Mitchell offers a good balance of batting and bowling points, making him a good captaincy choice.
• Vice-Captain: Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Gurbaz can be explosive at the top of the order and rack up quick fantasy points.

Remember, this is just a suggestion, and you can always make changes to the team based on your own preferences and analysis.

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