England began their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign with a six-wicket win against West Indies, chasing down their target of 56 in 8.2 overs.
Follow Us
England defeated West Indies by six wickets to register their first win in six attempts against the opposition, in an edition of the T20 World Cup. The former knocked out the West Indies for 55, chasing down the target of 56 in just 8.2 overs. Jos Buttler remained unbeaten on 24 runs off 22 deliveries in an innings comprising of three boundaries. Akeal Hosein was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies, accounting for two dismissals. Ravi Rampaul chipped in with 1 wicket.
England spinner Adil Rashid made his presence felt with a fantastic performance, accounting for four dismissals to help dismiss West Indies for 55. Moeen Ali and Tymal Mills took two wickets apiece as well in the second match of the Super 12 stage of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. Chris Woakes and Chris Jordan provided some valuable support, chipping in with a dismissal apiece. Chris Gayle was the top run-getter for West Indies, accumulating 13 runs from as many deliveries. Gayle’s knock comprised of three boundaries. None of the other batsmen managed to get into double figures, which is an indication of the poor performance of the other batsmen.
“Been a long time (away from international cricket). Great few weeks. Great training. We were confident. Feels nice to take wickets. It was tough wearing the back brace and stuff. Just got to take it day by day. I had a really good English summer, Sussex, The Hundred and I was really confident in my body which is the main thing. I think the pitch is okay, we have bowled really well. We were relentless and outstanding, aggressive with the fields. If he (Moeen) takes wickets he is the sort of bowler you would want to keep the ball in his hands,” said Mills as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Moeen was named as the Player of the Match, following a fine performance.
“It was always nice to catch one like that, I saw CJ running and thought about leaving it to him as he’s so fast and great in the field, but then it was on my side and I stuck my hands out. It gives you confidence, my first over was nice until that six, but yes it does give you confidence. Helps with so many left handers in their team, but I have been bowling alright in the nets, quite confident and as I have been playing cricket, I was not that nervous. The role in that team (CSK) is really good for me, I felt comfortable and involved with both bat and ball, it is great to be playing those big games like the semifinals and finals and then coming to the World Cup,” he stated.
West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard admitted that it was an unacceptable performance from his team.
“There’s not a lot to explain – it was an unacceptable performance, but we do need to take this on the chin and move on. It’s a matter of finding our straps, we have to find a way to get a fighting total on the board, today was a day where we couldn’t find that balance, but we need to forget this and move on. This is an international sport, such days happen, but we need to find a solution. We have played a lot of T20 cricket around the world, this is something we have all experienced, you’ll have to accept such days. Each game is important, we still have four games in the tournament and we’ll have to look forward. Got an opportunity due to the injury, things do happen for a reason, he (Hosein) has worked hard in domestic cricket, his attitude is fantastic, he has plenty of energy and that ‘s fantastic. I told the guys to give our best at the halfway stage,” he stated.
