SAINT Lucia, this weekend, will be staging three captivating matches as part of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament. Co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies, this global spectacle showcases 20 teams battling for the prestigious title and lucrative rewards.
The weekend’s lineup kicks off with a showdown between Australia and Scotland (Group B) today at 8:30 p.m. On Sunday, the excitement continues as Netherlands takes on Sri Lanka (Group D), also at 8:30 p.m. Finally, the West Indies’ last group stage match against Afghanistan on Monday at 8:30 p.m.
The West Indies, secured the top spot in the Group C points table with a resounding 13-run win over New Zealand on June 12th.
Sherfane Rutherford’s outstanding unbeaten half-century (68) was pivotal in propelling the home team to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.
In the 26th match, the West Indies set a challenging target of 150 runs for New Zealand. Despite fielding experienced players, the Kiwis could only muster 136 for 9 in 20 overs, resulting in a hard-fought 13-run defeat. Following their triumph over New Zealand, the West Indies surged to the top of the Group C points table, boasting six points from three matches and an impressive net run rate of +2.596, showcasing their strong performance in the tournament.
In the same group, Afghanistan’s resounding victory over PNG booked their place in the Super 8 stage, marking the end of New Zealand’s journey in the men’s T20 World Cup 2024. With six points and an outstanding net run rate of 4.230, Afghanistan leads Group C, setting the stage for an enthralling clash for the top position in the group between the Windies and Afghanistan.
Furthermore, Windies captain Rovman Powell emphasised the significance of clinching a home T20 World Cup title, underlining the immense benefits such an achievement would bring to the West Indies cricket ecosystem and the overall standard of international cricket across different islands.
As the tournament unfolds, the stage is set for a thrilling display of cricketing excellence and competitive spirit, promising an exhilarating experience for fans and enthusiasts.