West Indies missed their star all-rounder Romario Shepherd in the high intense clash against Afghanistan.

WI skipper Rovman Powell confirmed that the 29-year-old Shepherd has returned home as his wife, Tia Terencia Joseph, was expecting their second child. The couple also has a son named Romauldo Shepherd.

Powell praised his teammate’s commitment to supporting his family and highlighted the positive team culture in the West Indies squad.

“As a team, we fully support Romario as he welcomes his new child. Family is of utmost importance, and we encourage him to take the time he needs to be with his loved ones during this special occasion,” said Powell.

Pacer Obed McCoy filled in for Shepherd in the playing XI. Additionally, Shai Hope has taken Roston Chase’s place as West Indies finished the group stage with a dominant victory over Afghanistan.

Nicholas Pooran’s scintillating innings of 98 in 53 balls, propelled the Windies to 218-5 in 20 overs. This was the highest first innings total in the current T20 World Cup and the Caribbean’s highest total in the T20 World Cup.

Pooran was also awarded as the Player of the Match. Pooran and Johnson Charles smashed 36 runs in an over off Azmatullah Omarzai which saw the hosts piling up 92 runs in the powerplay overs, the highest score in the first six overs in the history of the T20 World Cup.

On the other hand, Afghanistan faced their first loss in the T20 World Cup after winning 3 matches in a row. They were bowled out at 114 in 16.2 overs. Obed McCoy picked up 3 wickets, while Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie claimed two wickets each.

The two-time T20 World Cup champions West Indies will clash against defending champions England in their first Super 8 match on June 20 in St Lucia.