Atletico win in vain as Botafogo advance at CWC

In a stunning display of power hitting, Pooran played a stellar 98-run knock, while the bowlers exhibited a dominant performance, propelling West Indies to a resounding win over Afghanistan in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Pooran's blistering knock of 98 runs set the stage for a record-breaking total, leaving Afghanistan struggling to keep up in the face of relentless bowling. Afghanistan, attempting to chase a challenging target of 219 runs, were dismissed for just 114 runs in 16.2 overs. The West Indies bowlers performed exceptionally well, led by Obed McCoy who took 3 wickets for 14 runs. Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein also contributed significantly, claiming two wickets each. Ibrahim Zadran was the standout performer for Afghanistan, scoring 38 runs off 28 balls as an opener. Despite Zadran's efforts, Afghanistan's batting struggled to build momentum, resulting in a decisive loss under the captaincy of Rashid Khan. Earlier in the game, Afghanistan won the toss and chose to field first. This decision allowed the West Indies to post a formidable total of 218-5 in their allotted 20 overs. Nicholas Pooran starred with the bat, playing an impressive innings of 98 runs from 53 balls, which included six fours and eight sixes. However, Pooran narrowly missed out on a century when he was run out attempting a second run in the final over. Johnson Charles also made a valuable contribution, scoring 43 runs off 27 balls with eight boundaries. Among the Afghan bowlers, Gulbadin Naib was the most successful, finishing with figures of 2 wickets for 14 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq claimed one wicket each. Both teams had already secured their places in the Super 8 stage after winning their first three matches in Group C. West Indies pacer Romario Shepherd briefly left the team camp to attend the birth of his second child. He is expected to rejoin the squad tomorrow, with Obed McCoy replacing him for this particular match. Afghanistan fielded an unchanged lineup.