Brandon King ruled out of T20 World Cup 2024? Rovman Powell provides shattering update

West Indies captain Rovman Powell shared an update on opener Brandon King's injury that he suffered while batting in their first Super Eight match against England at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, St. Lucia.

Brandon King pulled a muscle when he was batting on 23 off 13 balls. He had to retire hurt and was immediately taken off the field. King did not return to take any further part in the match as West Indies racked up 180-4 on the back of a powerful batting line-up.

Shimron Hetmyer came in as the substitute to field for King during the second innings. It remains to be seen if King gets fit for West Indies' next match against the USA, which will be held on June 21 at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.

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Rovman Powell gives an update on Brandon King's injury

After the match, West Indies skipper Rovman Powell seemed worried about King's injury. During the post-match presentation, Powell hoped for King to be fit before their next match against the USA.

“Just a bit worried, but hopefully he can pull through for the next game,” Powell said.

The extent of King's injury is unknown yet but it didn't look good on first impression. King was in sublime touch as he had already hit 3 fours and 1 six during his short cameo. His knock helped give West Indies a solid start at the top.

England cruise past West Indies

Meanwhile, England chased down the target of 181 runs by 8 wickets with 15 balls to spare. The match was interestingly poised at one point when England had lost its second wicket for 84. But Jonny Bairstow came in at No. 4 and scored 48* off just 26 balls to end the hopes of the home team.

Phil Salt also made a significant contribution with an unbeaten 87 off just 47 balls. Salt hit 7 fours and 5 sixes during his knock. West Indies' bowling attack lacked penetration on the day as the bowlers were taken for runs all along the ground.

Earlier, West Indies batters got good starts but couldn't convert them into big ones. Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, and Rovman Powell were dismissed in the thirties while Sherfane Rutherford impressed with another handy contribution down the order with a quickfire 28* off 15 balls. Legspinner Adil Rashid picked up 1-21 in four overs.

'He hurts us' - Rovman Powell on Phil Salt's batting performance

After the match, West Indies skipper Rovman Powell lauded Phil Salt for his spectacular batting performance.

“It is always difficult, every time he plays against WI, he hurts us. We couldn't execute our plans against Phil. Our destiny is in our own hands and we need to win well, we need to continue playing good cricket,” Powell said.

This was West Indies' first loss of the tournament after four wins in a row. They topped Group C with wins over, Papua New Guinea, Uganda, New Zealand, and Afghanistan. West Indies will play the USA and South Africa in their next two Super Eight games in Barbados and Antigua respectively.