POORAN...When it's your day, you have to make it your day.
Nicholas Pooran believes everything went right for him as West Indies got a record-breaking win over Afghanistan to end the T20 World Cup group stage.
West Indies won by 104 runs in St Lucia on Monday as they hit the highest run total at the tournament so far this year, hitting 218, including registering the highest powerplay score in history with 92.
Pooran alone got 98 of those runs off 53 balls, the highest individual total at this World Cup, and broke the record for the most sixes in T20Is for West Indies, with his eight in this game taking him to 128, going past Chris Gayle's 124.
Asked how he felt following his impressive performance, Pooran was quick to turn the praise to the whole team.
"I felt today was my day and I had to take the responsibility," Pooran said. "When it's your day, you have to make it your day. I assessed the conditions early. It was really important for us to not lose wickets in the middle.
"We have been really consistent as a team. The way we have played is wonderful.
"It's just not today, it started 12-14 months ago. We have been consistent as a team; we went to No. 3 in the rankings. In the last game, [Sherfane] Rutherford took the opportunity and played wonderfully. He inspired us."
Captain Rovman Powell hit 26 when he was introduced but had already witnessed history being made in the fourth over – West Indies scored 36 runs, equalling the record for the most expansive over in men’s T20Is.
Powell was pleased with the performances on both sides but singled out the hard work Pooran has done in order to get this result.
"I think it is on the back of hard work," Powell said. "He has had a very good 12 months. Good to see him score runs not only in franchise cricket but also for West Indies.
"The guys were excited to come here. We knew here would be one of the better wickets of the competition. After Guyana and Trinidad, the batters wanted to come here and get runs."
West Indies face reigning champions England next in the Super 8s on Wednesday.
Haris and Saim lead Pakistan to record nine-wicket victory
Haris Rauf’s second five wicket-haul and half-centuries by Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique led Pakistan to a nine-wicket victory over Australia in the second ODI on Friday.
Pakistan's win also levelled the three-match series with their biggest ODI win over the world champions in Australia, setting up a decider in Perth on Sunday.
The hosts started poorly with the bat, losing Jake Fraser-McGurk (13) and Matt Short (19) inside the first seven overs, with Shaheen Afridi claiming both early wickets.
Steve Smith top scored with 35 but was bowled out by Mohammad Hasnain (1-27), before Rauf ripped through Australia's middle order for the second consecutive game.
On his way to figures of 5-29, the 31-year-old claimed the wickets of Inglis (18), Marcus Labuschagne (six), Aaron Hardie (14), Glenn Maxwell (16) and Pat Cummins (13).
Shaheen Afridi secured the final wicket of Adam Zampa (18), with Pakistan handed a target of 164 runs to take the series to a decider.
And the tourists made light work of their run chase, with Ayub (83) and Abdullah Shafique (64) combining brilliantly to produce an opening stand of 137.
Zampa eventually made the breakthrough with the wicket of Ayub, but the damage had already been done. Babar Azam sealed the win with a six, with Pakistan reaching their target in just 26.3 overs.
Data Debrief: Shaheens stars play their part
Pakistan have not won an ODI series in Australia since 2002, but their showing on Friday will give them confidence of claiming a historic win.
They registered their biggest ODI win against the world champions in Australia in terms of both balls (141 balls) and wickets (nine) remaining. Previously, Pakistan's biggest ODI triumph over Australia in their own backyard had come in Sydney in 1981, winning by six wickets.
But the victory was inspired by Ayub and Shafique's 137-run stand for the first wicket, which was Pakistan’s second-best opening stand in an ODI against Australia, only behind Mohsin Khan and Mudassar Nazar (141) in 1985.
Mohammad Rizwan also played his part. His tally of six catches is the joint-most for any wicket-keeper in an ODI for Pakistan, going level with Sarfaraz Ahmed against South Africa in 2015.
Alzarri Joseph suspended for two matches following on-field incident in ODI match against England
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has imposed a two-match suspension on West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph following an on-field incident during the third CG United ODI against England at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
The incident, which took place during the fourth over of England's innings, sparked discussion among players and fans alike. Joseph appeared visibly frustrated with a field placement decision, leading to a disagreement with captain Shai Hope. After taking the wicket of Jordan Cox, caught behind on the fourth ball, Joseph chose not to celebrate with his teammates, instead walking back to his mark without any acknowledgment of the dismissal. His frustration escalated as he left the field unannounced at the end of the over, leaving West Indies to begin the fifth over with only ten players.
CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized the importance of professionalism, stating, “Alzarri's behavior did not align with the core values that Cricket West Indies upholds. Such conduct cannot be overlooked, and we have taken decisive action to ensure the gravity of the situation is fully acknowledged."
Joseph’s actions also drew criticism from head coach Daren Sammy, who voiced his concerns in an interview with TalkSPORT. Sammy described the behavior as “unacceptable,” underscoring his commitment to fostering a positive team culture. "Behavior like that is unacceptable on my cricket field," Sammy said. "We will be friends… but in the culture I'm trying to build, that’s unacceptable. We will definitely have a chat about that.”
Reflecting on the incident, Joseph issued a public apology, expressing regret for his actions. "I recognize that my passion got the best of me. I have personally apologized to Captain Shai Hope and my teammates and management. I also extend my sincerest apologies to the West Indies fans—I understand that even a brief lapse in judgment can have a far-reaching impact, and I deeply regret any disappointment caused.”
CWI remains committed to promoting a culture of respect, integrity, and discipline within the West Indies cricket team, both on and off the field. Joseph’s suspension serves as a reminder of these core values and reinforces CWI's dedication to professionalism for all players representing West Indies cricket.
Cricket Victoria confirms squad for Global Super League
Cricket Victoria has unveiled a formidable squad for the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), set to debut at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence from November 26 to December 7. With the lure of a $1 million prize, five international franchises – the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders, and Victoria – will compete in a series of 11 T20 matches. Cricket Victoria's squad, brimming with a mix of seasoned internationals and promising talent, will aim to make a mark in this inaugural tournament.
Leading the charge for Victoria will be top-order stalwart Jon Wells, whose experience will be invaluable in high-stakes moments. Joining him is USA international Corey Anderson, known for his powerful hitting and versatility. English batsman Joe Clarke and West Indies wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton add further strength to the lineup, bringing their unique skill sets to an already diverse team.
Adding to the international flair, Victoria will feature a trio of USA players: all-rounder Sanjay Krishnamurthi, off-spinner Karima Gore, and fast bowler Juanoy Drysdale, each poised to showcase their T20 prowess on the global stage. Also rounding out the squad are pace options David Moody and Max Birthesal, alongside wicketkeeper Scott Edwards and emerging talents Blake McDonald, Farzan Chowna, Carmi Le Roux, and Callum Stow.
With a tight schedule of group-stage matches ahead, Cricket Victoria is setting its sights on finishing in the top two to earn a place in the final on December 7. In this first-ever GSL tournament, they’ll have to battle through a talented field to compete for the title and the considerable prize, hoping to cement their place in GSL history.
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