Had to perform for the team after Kieron Pollard left: Nicholas Pooran

West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran has stated that he believed it was time for him to step up and deliver the goods in the T20 World Cup 2021 clash against Bangladesh, after Kieron Pollard walked off. Pollard decided to step off the pitch during the first innings, before coming back in the last over. Pooran delivered the goods with the bat, accumulating 40 runs off 22 deliveries, in an innings comprising of a boundary and four sixes.

“Our batting hasn’t clicked so far”

“Definitely a tactical move batting down. Our batting hasn’t clicked so far and we have been chopping and changing. I felt like I had to raise my hand up and perform for the team after Polly left. I have been working very hard. I have been a doing a lot of right things. I hadn’t been doing justice to myself. I have always been positive about my skills and attitude. It’s tough managing all the players. I must commend the guys. It was important (to win today). We didn’t take all our catches, but the energy was good and the belief was always there. Had faith in the experienced bowlers,” said Pooran as quoted by Cricbuzz.

The Windies cricketer revealed his discussion with all-rounder Andre Russell who defended the total in the final over.

“Akeal has been bowling well for us in the tournament, just felt Chase was not needed on that wicket because back of a length from the pacers was tough to hit. Told him (Russell) the over before, make up your mind whatever you have to defend. He executed, thankful to him. Happy for him. He looks fine, the medical team is assessing him. Even with that injury, walking back to bat and hitting that vital six. We can see why he has been a wonderful leader. We as young players look up to that. We would like to someone like that in the future. At the end of the day, very happy,” said Russell.

“Fielding has been an issue”

Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah admitted that the fielding was a massive area of concern.

“I think Liton’s wicket was very crucial. We were both set. I think the bowlers did a good job, but we missed a few chances and conceded 10-15 extra runs. We tried, Shakib and Naim tried but it was hard to score. Shoriful, Mahedi bowled well. Taskin bowled beautifully. Yes, fielding has been an issue. We need to come out better,” stated Mahmudullah.

West Indies prevail in final-ball thriller to keep title defence alive

West Indies picked up their first win while Bangladesh slipped to their third straight loss of the Super 12 stage at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. Liton Das and Mahmud Ullah led a spirited Bangladesh chase of 143, which left them needing 13 off the final over and four off the final ball. However, Russell drew on his experience to deny them as West Indies picked up a vital three-run win in a crucial encounter.