Kolkata’s Eden Gardens witnessed a record-smashing performance as West Indies captain Rovman Powell claimed the crown of West Indies’ ‘Sixer King’ in T20 cricket. Losing the toss and batting first, the visitors racked up 195/4, thanks to Powell’s unbeaten 34 from 19 deliveries, including two sixes that took his T20 sixes tally to 150, eclipsing Nicholas Pooran’s 149.
West Indies started strongly with openers Shai Hope (32 off 33) and Roston Chase (40 off 25) adding 68 runs. Chase’s fiery knock featured five boundaries and a six before he departed. Hetmyer chipped in with 27 off 12, Rutherford added 14 off 9, setting the stage for Powell and Holder’s heroics.
The duo’s 76-run stand off 35 balls was match-defining. Holder’s unbeaten 37 off 22 included three sixes and two fours, complementing Powell’s late surge. This partnership rescued the innings and pushed the score beyond 190.
On the bowling front, Bumrah led India with 2/36. Pandya and Chakaravarthy grabbed a wicket apiece, but Arshdeep’s 0/43 proved costly. Powell’s achievement highlights West Indies’ power-hitting tradition, positioning them as formidable opponents for India in upcoming T20 World Cup encounters.