[Watch] Azmatullah Omarzai's rocket throw ends Nicholas Pooran’s knock on 98 in WI vs AFG T20 World Cup 2024 match
Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai produced a brilliant direct hit to run out Nicholas Pooran in the T20 World Cup 2024 clash against the West Indies on Tuesday (June 18) in Gros Islet. The direct hit by the youngster left the Trinidadian a couple of runs short of a hundred. However, the co-hosts had amassed a steep total by then.
The incident occurred on the second-last ball of the 20th over of the first innings when the left-hander carved a full delivery to deep cover. The seam-bowling all-rounder got around quickly and fired a rocket throw, hitting the stumps and catching a diving Pooran short of his ground. The 28-year-old had to walk back for 98 off 53 deliveries. He hit six fours and eight sixes.
Omarzai picked up the wicket of Brandon King in his first over but his second over went for a record-equalling 36 runs, as Pooran picked him apart. The southpaw's innings of 98 propelled the Men in Maroon to 218/5.
Obed McCoy comes to the party after Nicholas Pooran's exploits
Meanwhile, the Caribbean bowlers equally stepped up after the keeper-batter's exploits with the bat. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who came into the match as the top run-getter in the tournament, perished for a duck.
Ibrahim Zadran cracked a few eye-catching shots, but Afghanistan found themselves 63-5 in no time. The likes of Karim Janat and Rashid Khan offered some resistance; however, the West Indies eventually romped home by 104 runs by bowling their opposition out for 114 in 16.2 overs.
Obed McCoy finished as the pick of the West Indies bowlers with figures of 3-0-14-3. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie snared two each, while Andre Russell and Alzarri Joseph snaffled one apiece. In the process, the two-time champions also got through to the group stage without a loss. They will face England, South Africa, and the USA in the Super 8s.