West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd misses Afghanistan clash to be present for birth of his second child 

West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd missed the side's final group-stage game of the 2024 T20 World Cup against Afghanistan on Sunday, June 17, to attend to the birth of his second child. The West Indies social media handle confirmed that he will return to join the squad on Monday, June 18.

Skipper Rovman Powell also confirmed the news of Shepherd missing out on the Afghanistan game for the birth of his second child at the toss.

Shepherd and his wife Tia Terencia Joseph have already been blessed with a son named Romauldo Shepherd. The 29-year-old played in West Indies' first three games of the tournament and was replaced by left-arm pacer Obed McCoy.

Powell said at the toss ahead of the Afghanistan clash:

"We have two changes - Romario Shepherd is out and Obed McCoy is in and Roston Chase is out and Shai Hope comes in. Romario is with his family for the birth of his second child."

Shepherd has had a mediocre 2024 T20 World Cup thus far, averaging 18 at a strike rate of only 100 with the bat and picking up two wickets at an economy rate of 8.50 in three outings.

Yet, the West Indies have enjoyed a dream run, winning all three games comfortably to book their place in the Super Eight stage.

West Indies trounce Afghanistan despite Romario Shepherd's absence

Romario Shepherd's absence became a blessing in disguise for the West Indies as his replacement in the playing XI Obed McCoy enjoyed a tremendous outing against Afghanistan.

West Indies posted a massive total of 218/5 in their 20 overs, thanks to a breathtaking 53-ball 98 by Nicholas Pooran. It was the highest score of the competition thus far and the highest for the West Indies in T20 World Cups.

McCoy followed Pooran's brilliance with a sensational spell of 3/14 in three overs to help West Indies bowl Afghanistan out for a paltry 114. The 104-run victory made it four wins on the trot for the Caribbean outfit, thereby topping Group C.

The two-time T20 World Cup champions will take on defending champions England in their first Super Eight clash at St.Lucia on Wednesday, June 19.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan were the second team from Group C to qualify for the Super Eight despite their crushing defeat against the co-hosts.