Alzarri Joseph was the architect of the West Indies’ ‘do or die’ win over Zimbabwe in their second game of the first round, which kept them alive in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Jason Holder, one of the experienced and key players for the team, lavished praises on Joseph following the match on Wednesday.
West Indies had found themselves on the verge of an embarrassing first-round exit when Zimbabwe openers smashed 29 runs off the first two overs while chasing 154. But Joseph knocked over Regis Chakabva on his second ball to provide the Windies a much-needed opening. The fast bowler then went on to pick three more scalps, finishing with 4 for 16 in four overs as they completed a 31-run victory.
Holder, who himself snared 3 for 12 off 3.2 overs on Wednesday and whom Joseph refers to as father figure, was proud of the performance the young fast bowler put in. Holder said Joseph’s performances do not surprise him as he expects a big impact whenever Joseph has the ball in hand.
“Alzarri should be proud of his progression. I see him as a leader. He’s leading the attack at a young age and showing great attributes as a leader. His performances don’t surprise me because of the work he’s put in. My simple words to him are: ‘Just lead the attack. Get us onto the right track’,”
Holder said.
“That’s what he did yesterday, got us that first breakthrough and that really set the tone. I see him as an impact player. He’s got pace and skill too, and when he has the ball in hand, I expect big things from him. He’s now really matured as an all-format bowler, one of our only at the moment.”
Joseph, who made his T20I debut in July, has been terrific for the West Indies. On Australian soil, the 25-year-old has picked 11 scalps from just four games. Eyes will be on him if the side advance through to the Super 12s.
