It’s A Good Challenge Playing Against India – Lendl Simmons
Dec 9, 2019 at 12:02 AM
The West Indies opener Lendl Simmons cherishes the challenge of playing against India. Three years ago, Simmons had played a blitzkrieg knock at Wankhede Stadium to put an end to India’s 2016 T20 World Cup hopes. India was knocked out after the semifinal loss and the Windies had gone on to win their second title. The right-hander, who has missed some International action in the recent past was once again at his best against his favorite team.
The right-hander took his time in the initial phase and then catapulted his attack in the second T20I against India. Simmons scored a fine knock of 45-ball 67 with the help of four fours and as many sixes to help his team chase down the target of 171 runs with nine balls to spare. Thus, he was awarded the Man of the match.
Simmons was at his best.
Simmons also got support from his opening partner, Evin Lewis who scored a fine knock of 40 runs from 35 balls. The left-hander once again looked good and gave a good foundation to the West Indies’ innings. Shimron Hetmyer scored 23 runs whereas Nicholas Pooran added the finishing touches with 18-ball 38 with the help of four fours and two sixes.
Lendl Simmons said in the post-match presentation, “Like playing against India, it’s a good challenge. Haven’t played international cricket for a while, good to be back on the circuit, playing for the West Indies. Those guys can go at it from ball one, they have a different type of talent. I’m a bit old school. Take my time initially. I understand my game, understand my role in the team. My job in the powerplay is to go hard. Easier to bat outside the powerplay, knock the ball around and get the odd-boundary. Once you get in on that wicket, you can play your shots, and I just did that today”.
West Indies were the better side.
It was pure hitting from Lendl Simmons and he would like to continue his form going in the all-important decider. The right-hander timed the ball to perfection and showed no mercy for the Indian bowlers. The visitors were up to the mark in the second match.
The third and final T20I will take place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on the 11th of December.