Limited-overs captain Kieron Pollard seemed to be on top of the world after his side overcame England by 17 runs in the series-deciding fifth Twenty20 International to record a 3-2 victory over their opponents. While congratulating the team on their well-deserved victory, Pollard reminded not only the home crowd but also the rest of the globe, that their best is yet to be seen.
After being written off by everyone, the all-rounder said that every member of the West Indies squad gave all they had to play their hearts out. Several reports have also surfaced suggesting that many in the Caribbean wanted Kieron Pollard and the team’s head coach Phil Simmons fired after the team’s dismal performance in the T20 World Cup 2021 and a humiliating 2-1 loss in the one-day international series against Ireland at home recently.
Every single person has bonded together to support: Kieron Pollard
“It’s fantastic. Even though many have given up on our squad, every member has rallied behind its cause. Even though we’ve had a lot of unpleasant things published about us, this victory belongs to everyone in the dressing room. They have worked hard since returning from Jamaica (after the Ireland series) and have recovered rather well. I am very proud of them,” said Kieron Pollard during the post-match presentation.
Meanwhile, the two-time T20 World Cup champion had made it clear that he would be removing Odean Smith in the third game and will instead choose the in-form Rovman Powell, after which it was claimed that there was a rift between the captain and Smith. “Empty containers make the greatest noise,” the Trinidadian cricketer said, putting an end to all of these rumours.
Returning to the game, the hosts won the toss and opted to bat first in the match. In the first wicket partnership, Brandon Kings and Kyle Mayers put on 59 runs, before a middle-order fightback from Kieron Pollard (41*) and Rowman Powell (35*) propelled the Windies to 179/4 from their 20 overs. For the fifth wicket, the pair accumulated 74 runs together.
Meanwhile, explosive opener Jason Roy was bowled in the first over, but number three batsman James Vince (55) and middle-order batsman Sam Billings (41) kept the visitors in contention until West Indies bowlers snatched the initiative away from them. England was bowled out for 162 with a ball to spare in the last over. Jason Holder not only kept his cool but also scalped four wickets in a row as they were dismissed for 162.
