T20 World Cup 2021: Match 23, West Indies vs Bangladesh – Who Said What

The West Indies side posted its first victory of the Super 12 stages of the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup with a 3-run victory over Bangladesh. Chasing a target of 143, Bangladesh’s move to open with Shakib Al Hasan backfired, as the legendary all-rounder could only score 9 runs. Bangladesh then lost their second wicket with the scorecard reading 29.

Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar forged a crucial 31-run partnership for the 3rd wicket, and Sarkar was dismissed for a breezy 13-ball 17. The experienced Mushfiqur Rahim could only score 8 runs and was cleaned up by Ravi Rampaul.

Liton Das walked back to the pavilion in the 19th over of the match for 44. With 13 runs needed off the final over, Andre Russell did a sensational job, and leaked only 9 runs, as West Indies emerged on top in this rollercoaster of a contest. With the ball, the likes of Ravi Rampaul, Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, and Dwayne Bravo picked up one wicket each.

Nicholas Pooran and Roston Chase help West Indies post 142/7

Batting first, the West Indian side posted a total of 142/7 in their 20-over quota. The West Indies lost their first 3 wickets with just 32 runs on the board. And, it seemed as if another collapse was there on the cards.

But then, Roston Chase and Nicholas Pooran stepped up for the defending champions. While Chase scored a patient 39 off 46 deliveries, Pooran scored a whirlwind 22-ball 40 to help the West Indies past the 140-run mark. Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam scalped 2 wickets each with the ball for the Bangladesh side.

Winning skipper (stand-in) and Player of the Match Nicholas Pooran said:

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. 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.

Losing skipper Mahmudullah said:

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.