Despite the Windies’ crushing defeat against India in the first of the three-match ODI series, captain Kieron Pollard felt that his side had some positives to take home from the game.
The West Indies suffered a batting collapse, brought forth by spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who picked up four wickets in an excellent spell. The Indian batsmen had no problems knocking off the 177-run target that they were set, winning by six wickets, with 22 overs to spare, wrapping up a dominant victory over the Caribbeans.
Notwithstanding, Pollard opted to look at the bright side despite the loss, praising his lower-order batsmen for their batting. He particularly lauded all-rounder Jason Holder for his gritty knock of 57, when the Windies innings was falling apart.
He also appreciated Fabian Allen’s brief knock, as he and Holder took the West Indies to 176, something that looked too much given the performance of their top-order. Apart from that, Pollard made mention of Alzzari Joseph and Akeal Hossain for the breakthroughs that they produced in what was otherwise a dismal show with both bat and ball.
The Windies were struggling at 73/6 at one point, after which Holder and Allen played fighting innings to take the West Indies total beyond the triple-digit mark. However, their resistance could not save the match for the West Indies, as they eventually were bowled out for 176.
Also read 👉 Windies prove no match for India against spin trial in Ahmedabad
Indian captain Rohit Sharma got his side off to a rollicking start and set the stage for victory, as the Men in Blue completed the chase with 22 overs to go.
Holder’s innings earned a lot of praise on social media, with many admiring his ability to bat his way through difficult situations, in addition to his skills with the ball.
Many were of the opinion that his knock so close to the Indian Premier League mega auctions comes as a reminder to the franchises as to the value that he can add to any side.
Pollard was all praise for the former Sunrisers Hyderabad man and conceded that he could bat higher up the order if not for the requirements of the side.
“You can say that [Holder should bat higher?]. 12 months ago guys would not be saying that. He can bat in any position in the order. Yes, he can bat at six. He has a role to play for us. He came in a crucial scenario and made a crucial fifty,”
captain Pollard said.
