Nicholas Pooran’s gritty hundred might have come in the losing cause against Sri Lanka, but he has already left an impact owing to his batting prowess. Following seven consecutive losses at the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019, the exciting batsman is keen to restore pride during their home series against India.
Earlier, they managed to steamroll Pakistan in their first game of the World Cup on May 31st by seven wickets after strangulating Pakistan at 105 in 21.4 overs. In response, the Windies chased down the target in just 13.4 overs.
But, they’ve struggled to continue with their momentum. Poor conceded they have struggled in a nutshell, but he also expects that his teammates have learned a lesson during the ICC event.
“We have a young team and a young batting line-up. Hopefully, a lot of guys like me, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope and Fabian Allen have learned from this tournament,” Pooran told the ICC.
Recently, in their eighth game of the World Cup, the 23-year-old Pooran has slammed 118 off 103 which included 11 fours and four sixes.
He has also recorded his maiden ODI hundred which came in Durham at the World Cup. Pooran, alongside Fabian Allen, gave a scare to the Islanders. The duo stitched crucial 83-run partnership for the seventh wicket before falling short by 23 runs.
However, with inching game inching closer to the target of 339, Pooran was dismissed on the very first delivery of the 48th over bowled by Angelo Mathews.
He adds it has been a learning curve for them.
“This hasn’t been a successful tournament for us. But as sportsmen, you fail more than you win. And this has been a learning experience,” Pooran told ICC.
Meanwhile, Windies will play their final league stage game on July 4 against Afghanistan. Then, they’ll fly home to prepare for their home series against the Men in Blue.
Nicholas Pooran awaits pride:
With the disappointing show at the World Cup, Pooran wants his team to deliver at the home series. He is optimistic to see his Caribbean team heading in the right direction.
“Hopefully when we play our next series against India we can start heading in the right direction. And restore pride in West Indies cricket,” Pooran said after Durham loss.
The bilateral series will begin with the first of three-match Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) on August 3 at Lauderhill in Florida.
The T20 series will culminate with the third T20 at Providence Stadium in Guyana on August 6. Also, the limited-overs series will conclude with the third ODI on August 14 at the Port of Spain in Trinidad.
Besides, the two-match Test series will begin on August 22 in Antigua. The second match will get underway at Sabina Park in Jamaica on August 30 (Friday).