In a thrilling display of fireworks on the cricket field, the West Indies’ batters broke the shackles of Guyana and Trinidad decisively as they mounted an unrelenting assault against Afghanistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This pulsating encounter took place on Monday, June 17, local time, at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, located in Saint Lucia. The West Indies were savage with their swinging bats, particularly Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran, who utilized a splendid batting surface to reign supreme over the Afghanistan bowlers.
The highlight of this riveting match was the fourth over delivered by Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai. In a spell of uncontainable batting prowess, West Indies managed to equate a long-standing T20 World Cup record by scoring an astonishing 36 runs in that single over. This notable feat matches the glorious moment achieved by Yuvraj Singh during the inaugural edition in 2007 when he unleashed a similar assault against England’s Stuart Broad in Durban.
To break down this historic over, Omarzai’s bowling was riddled with errors. He delivered a no-ball and five wides, with Nicholas Pooran capitalizing on these opportunities by smashing three sixes and two boundary fours. Additionally, one of Omarzai’s deliveries led to four leg-byes, rounding up the over to the record-equalling 36 runs scored. The over was a blend of poor bowling discipline from Omarzai and the unrelenting aggression from the West Indies’ batters, primarily driven by a belligerent Pooran.
This astonishing over marked only the fifth occasion in the history of T20 Internationals (T20Is) where 36 runs have been amassed. Within the frameworks of the T20 World Cup, it stands as a rare occurrence, reiterating the brilliance of Yuvraj Singh’s achievement and now, Pooran’s electrifying knock. Afghanistan, who had previously shown commendable prowess with the ball throughout the tournament, found themselves overpowered and disoriented by the co-hosts’ relentless assault.
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To paint a clearer picture of this record, here are the most runs ever scored in an over in T20 World Cup history:
1. **36 runs (6,6,6,6,6,6) – Yuvraj Singh vs Stuart Broad (IND vs ENG), Durban 2007**: The unforgettable moment when Yuvraj Singh launched six consecutive sixes against England, becoming an iconic cricketing legend.
2. **36 runs (6,4nb,5wd,0,LB4,4,6,6) – Nicholas Pooran vs Azmatullah Omarzai (WI vs AFG), St Lucia 2024**: Pooran’s recent hammering, incorporating a no-ball and five wides, was a display of raw batting aggression and Omarzai’s uncontrolled bowling.
3. **33 runs (wd,6,4,wd,nb,1nb,6,wd,1,6,4) – Andries Gous and Aaron Jones vs Jeremy Gordon (USA vs CAN), Dallas 2024**: Another high-scoring over reflecting a chaotic mix of no-balls, wide deliveries, and powerful batting.
Afghanistan had the advantage of winning the toss and choosing to field first in what was an inconsequential game in the grand context but significant for individual performances and historical feats. However, the West Indies were adamantly up to the task, taking the golden opportunity to imprint their dominance and ability to perform under pressure.
The memory of this over, resulting in a hectic 36 runs, will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of T20 World Cup history, resembling both the fortitude and brute force of the West Indies cricket squad. With a combination of precise attacks and taking advantage of a momentarily weakened opponent, Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran scripted a chapter that underscores the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of T20 cricket.
This match’s exhilarating climax ensures its place in the records, highlighting the inherent excitement and unpredictability that continues to draw fans from across the globe to the T20 format. With feats like these, the sport of cricket continues to evolve, displaying awe-inspiring moments that resonate well beyond the boundaries of the field. The West Indies’ dynamic duo not only etched their names alongside Yuvraj Singh but also brought joy and unprecedented delight to their fans with an unforgettable performance that will speak of their magnificence for years to come.
