The whole of India, all one billion of them, had pointed their snipers at Gayle. And to an extent, Samuels. Once they had been taken out by a Bumrah/Nehra head-shot, that was supposed to be it. What was Charles doing wasting his time? What was Simmons doing hanging around?
But, breaking the heart of one billion Indian cricket fans Lendl Simmons, the Mumbai Indians cricketer, defeated India in front of his IPL franchise owner Nita Ambani. Andre Russell also scored 43 off 20 balls that helped West Indies to chase down India’s total 192 with a six off Virat Kohli in the last over of the match.
Virat Kohli’s masterpiece- 89 off 47 balls- has gone in vain.
Lendl Simmons was rewarded the man of the match award for his match winning 82 off 51 balls. He said, “I slept over the flight (referring to his jet lag). I got a call in the morning after the Afghanistan game to come over, if I am fit. I came under pressure and had come here for a reason – to deliver and I delivered. I enjoy batting here. The fast outfield also helps. Yes (rating it as one of his best innings). In a tough situation. I didn’t play in the final (World T20 2012) in Sri Lanka and I almost missed out on this one. 180-190 is a par score and with the power-hitters we have, the guys believed we could chase it. I got three chances and things went my way and I cashed in.”
While devastated Indian captain MS Dhoni blamed the loss as they lost it and had to bat first. “I knew it was a bad toss to lose. The dew starts setting in during the second innings. Our spinners don’t have a history of bowling well with the wet ball.
West Indies chased down the target with two spares and have won the match with seven wickets in hand.
Captain Darren Sammy said, “We knew it was going to be a massive step, our fifth step in this tournament against a very good Indian team. They came at us in the Powerplay, we stuck to it. I knew it was a 200 wicket. Halfway in the game, I told my team they are 10 runs short.”
Now West Indies will meet their arch rival England at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on April 3. And heartbroken India fans will have to see the winners between West Indies and England.
Meanwhile, at the post-match press conference, MS Dhoni gave a hilarious reply when he was asked about his retirement plan.
Australian journalist asked Dhoni if he was going to continue after today?
Dhoni: Do you want me to retire? Do you think I am unfit? Do you like my running?
Journalist: No. No. Yes, you are fast.
Dhoni then asked:Do you think I can survive till 2019 World Cup?
Journalist: Journo: Yes
Dhoni: Then you have answered the question!