West Indies skipper Rovman Powell used his long levers to tremendous effect with a massive 107-meter six in the 2024 T20 World Cup clash against Uganda in Guyana on June 8. The 30-year-old had just made his way to the crease and was on four from two deliveries at the 10-over mark of the West Indian innings.
With the need to accelerate, Powell struck the first ball of the 11th over for a boundary off the bowling of off-spinner Frank Nsubuga. He then stepped down the track on the fourth ball of the over and launched a nonchalant maximum over the long-on region.
The ball went over the roof and out of the stadium for a 107-meter maximum, the longest thus far in the tournament.
Here is a video of the same:
Powell was dismissed shortly after that breathtaking six for 23 off 18 deliveries as the West Indies fell to 125/4 in the 16th over.
Fellow power-hitter Andre Russell took control from that moment, scoring a 17-ball 30 to propel the side to a competitive 173/5 in 20 overs. In response, the Uganda batters had no answers to a sensational spell of left-arm spin-bowling from Akeal Hosein.
He finished with incredible figures of 5/11 in 4 overs as the West Indies bowled Uganda out for a paltry 39 and completed a magnificent 134-run victory.
"No wonder why he is the No. 3-ranked bowler in this format" - Rovman Powell on Akeal Hosein
West Indies skipper Rovman Powell praised Akeal Hosein for his impressive showing with the ball in the second innings of the Uganda clash.
The 31-year-old produced the second-best bowling figures by a West Indian in T20Is, behind only Obed McCoy's 6/17 against India in 2022.
At the post-match presentation, Powell said about Hosein:
"Credit to Akeal, no wonder why he is the No. 3-ranked bowler in this format. He has done the same against top sides as well. He bowled wicket to wicket and did his job."
The win was the West Indies' second consecutive one to start their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. They are currently second in Group C behind Afghanistan, with four points in two games.
The two-time champions will take on New Zealand in a marquee clash in Trinidad on Wednesday, June 12.
New Zealand are in a virtual must-win situation after suffering a shock 84-run defeat to Afghanistan in their tournament opener in Guyana.
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