Two-time T20 World Cup winners West Indies were humbled by Scotland in their first campaign opener at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. After Namibia stunned Sri Lanka in the opening match of the mega event on October 16, Scotland gave the Nicholas Pooran-led side a reality check with an authoritative 42-run win.
Ideal start to chase
Chasing a total of 161, West Indies batters paid the price for relying on big shots on big boundaries of Australia. They lost two wickets in the powerplay overs but had 53 runs on the board. Kyle Mayers (20), Evin Lewis (14) could not capitalise on decent starts. In the next over, Mark Watt got rid of Brandon King (17) and then the madness began.
Chaotic batting approach
Instead of knocking the ball into gaps and dealing in ones and twos, they tried to take the aerial route more often. Pooran (4), Shamarh Brooks (4) and Rovman Powell registered single-digit scores. Former Skipper Jason Holder tried to hold the fort but did not have enough support from the other end with required run rate climbing up. Akeal Hosein (1), Alzarri Joseph (0) and Odean Smith (5) lost patience and went out swinging recklessly. Holder contributed 38 runs to the score to help reduce the deficit but West Indies got bundled out for 118 in the 19th over.
Pin-point accuracy
For Scotland, Watt turned out to be the showstopper with three wickets from four overs while conceding just 12 runs. Wheal leaked a few runs but took two crucial wickets. Off-spinner Michael Leask prevented boundaries as well and took two wickets while conceding just 14 runs in his quota of four overs.
Munsey leads the way
Earlier, West Indies skipper Pooran won the toss and opted to field first. Scotland did not lose a wicket in the powerplay overs. George Munsey and Michael Jones shared a 55-run opening partnership. Holder got the breakthrough with the wicket of Jones (20) just after the fielding restrictions were lifted. He followed it up with the wicket of wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Cross in the next over.
There were useful contributions from skipper Richie Berrington (16), Callum MacLeod (23) and Chris Greaves (16). On the other end, Munsey anchored the innings. He carried his bat and scored 66 runs from 53 deliveries including nine boundaries. His sensible knock helped Scotland post 160/5 on the board.
The effect of first loss
After a big loss to Scotland, West Indies may not be able to finish at the top of the Group B as their net run rate (NRR) has taken a serious hit. They were expected to take on India in their last league match. However, the scenario can change after a major upset.
Pooran’s post match statement
“Tough loss for us. Disappointing for sure. I guess now we got to do the hard work now and win both the games. 160 was a par score. The middle-order batting was disappointing. We have been struggling in the middle order for some time and it continues,” Pooran told broadcasters.
