After winning the toss and opting to field first at West Indies’ highest-scoring venue in the tournament, Jos Buttler’s England found themselves on the defensive against a formidable West Indies top-order.
Brandon King and Johnson Charles set the pace, amassing 54 runs within the powerplay. King, however, was forced to retire due to a groin injury, paving the way for Nicholas Pooran to step in. Pooran wasted no time, taking on England’s speedster Mark Wood.
Fresh off a 98-run performance against Afghanistan in St Lucia, wicketkeeper-batsman Pooran appeared determined to maintain his form and dominate England. Before facing a single delivery, he exchanged a celebratory fist pump with Charles.
When Wood came back to bowl his second over after the powerplay, Pooran effortlessly dispatched a fuller delivery pitched on his legs, sending it soaring into the stands with a powerful cross-batted shot.
— Johnson (@Johnson427427) June 20, 2024
The ball, delivered at a searing 147 kph, was no match for Pooran’s form, resulting in a 95-meter six that thrilled the crowd. West Indies head coach and two-time World Cup-winning captain Daren Sammy, visibly impressed, watched from the dugout as the explosive performance sparked excitement across social media.
