West Indies

ICC Confirms 8 Of 12 Teams To Play T20I World Cup 2022 Super 12 Stage; Sri Lanka, West Indies Out

Published on November 7, 2021

ICC confirmed eight of the twelve teams that will play in the Super12 stage of the T20 World Cup 2022 next year, following the 2016 T20I WC defending champions West Indies‘ defeat to Australia.

West Indies lost their final league game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to Australia, meaning the defending champions’ campaign at this edition came to an end on Saturday. Following the same, automatic qualifiers for the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 are now confirmed.

Out of the 12 automatic qualifiers for the 2022 edition of the tournament, eight of the twelve teams from this year will go through directly into the Super12 stage. As the T20 World Cup 2022 will be held in Australia, they are the first team to go through as the host nation. The remaining seven teams are England, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

ICC Confirms Automatic Qualifiers For The 2022 T20I World Cup In Australia

The automatic qualifiers for the T20 World Cup 2022 are to be decided by the winner and the runners-up of the ongoing T20 World Cup, along with six teams that are ranked next highest on the ICC Men’s T20I rankings by November 15, which is the cut-off date for the same. Therefore, West Indies and Sri Lanka will need to play an additional qualifying round to enter the Super 12 stage of the next T20 World Cup in 2022.

“The automatic qualifiers for the Super 12 stage were determined to be the winner and runner-up of the current T20 World Cup, alongside the next six highest ranking teams on the ICC Men’s T20I rankings at the cut-off date of November 15,” the ICC stated.

ICC- International Cricket Council , AFP File Photo — ICC- International Cricket Council, AFP File Photo

“On Saturday, the teams that will fill those spots were confirmed courtesy of West Indies’ loss to Australia, which means they will sit 10th by the cut-off date, with Bangladesh climbing to eighth,” it further said.

England, Pakistan, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia are the current top six teams. However, before West Indies’ clash with Australia, these six teams confirmed that their rankings will not go down during the remainder of the 2021 T20 World Cup.

West Indies Slipped Down To 10th Spot In Rankings While Sri Lanka Is Just Above Them At Ninth

West Indies losing to Australia also ensured that Afghanistan, which is ranked seventh at the moment, will not drop below eighth, no matter what will be the outcome of their upcoming games in this edition. With this defeat, West Indies dropped down to the tenth spot, with Sri Lanka just above them at ninth. Bangladesh has risen to the eighth position, thus gaining the cut for the 2022 edition.

West Indies, therefore, will have to play the first round of the 2022 tournament to make it to the Super12s. They will be accompanied by Sri Lanka, Namibia, and Scotland in the same. West Indies managed to win just one match in the ongoing tournament, while Bangladesh lost all its games in the Super 12 stage.

Dwayne Bravo receives a guard of honour on his farewell appearance for West Indies, Australia vs West Indies, Men's T20 World Cup 2021, Super 12s, Abu Dhabi, November 6, 2021© ICC via Getty

Cricket/News

Dwayne Bravo Intends To Play Franchise Cricket For Some More Years

Published on November 7, 2021

Dwayne Bravo says he intends to play franchise cricket for some more years if his body allows and insisted that time was right to finally call time on his international career and let the younger players take West Indies cricket forward.

Dwayne Bravo, 38, played his swansong game as West Indies exited the T20 World Cup following an eight-wicket defeat against Australia. Dwayne Bravo played in the 91 T20Is for the West Indies since making his debut against New Zealand at Auckland in 2006.

Dwayne Bravo Will continue Playing Franchise Cricket For A Few More Years As Lomg As His Body Persists

Dwayne Bravo came out of retirement in 2019 to help West Indies defend their T20 title, but it could not happen as they could manage to win only one of their five Super 12 games. Dwayne Bravo was part of the West Indies teams that won the T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016.

“I will continue playing franchise cricket for a few more years as long as my body will allow me to,” Bravo, who played for West Indies for 18 years, said during the post-match press conference.

“My aim was to retire a few years ago, but with a change of presidency and change of leadership comes a change of heart, and I wanted to give back to West Indies because I was still in a good place physically and enjoy my cricket,” he said.

Dwayne Bravo is set to quit international cricket after T20 World Cup 2021 | Photo Credit: AP

“….I think this was the right moment for me to walk away from the game, and allow the next generation and young players who I share a very good friendship with to come through.

“They still see me around but more passing information around as policy and trying to give my experience back to the next group of players, and hopefully they can also have a 12 to 18-year career as well,” Bravo added.

Asked about the special moments of his career, the all-rounder mentioned getting his Test cap at Lord’s and “walking on the field for the first time”.

“That was a special moment. Obviously my childhood hero, Lara, was a captain. That was very special. Winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004 was another specialty moment for me.

“My first Test against South Africa, another special moment. And obviously, the two T20 World Cup was a special moment for me. It was good that I was able to have some success throughout my career.”

Dwayne Bravo made his T20I debut in 2006 and went on to represent the West Indies in 91 games in the shortest format. He also featured in 40 Tests and 164 ODIs in a career that spanned nearly 18 years.

Dwayne Bravo Says Kieron Pollard Is A Superstar Of The Game And Chris Gayle Has Some Cricket Left In Him

Dwayne Bravo shared his special bond with skipper Kieron Pollard, who was instrumental in his coming out of retirement. But, unfortunately, Dwayne Bravo had a below-par tournament in the United Arab Emirates, scoring 16 runs in four group games and picking up only two wickets. As a result, West Indies only beat Bangladesh and lost to England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia in group games.

“In terms of friendship with Polly, as he said before, I’m his senior but when he come into cricket at a very young age, we all spotted his talent and his ability I wish he could have played some Test cricket. He didn’t even know he was good enough or qualified to play.”

“But to see the way he went on and become a superstar in the game, and regardless of what people might say with him not playing Test cricket, he has his own legacy, and he’s a superstar of the game and we should be grateful, I am grateful to have him as a teammate and more so a friend. I’m still very happy with the way how we lead West Indies cricket in the last two years, and West Indies need strong leadership, and he’s a strong leader.”

“We know this wasn’t meant to be, but I know as an individual, he will bounce back strong with his character, and I’m very happy that I was able to be a part of this journey with him.”

Asked to confirm whether Chris Gayle has also officially quit international cricket, Bravo said: “He said half of it. He halfway retires. He still has some cricket left. I’m not sure what he’s decided yet, but yeah.”

Dwayne Bravo said he would not mind taking up a coaching role in the future.

“It’s only fair that I love to give back to the game that has given me so much.”

Dwayne Bravo has played all the T20 World Cups since 2007 and has helped his side win the title in 2012 and 2016. He came out of retirement in international cricket in December 2019 to help his side retain the World T20I title.

Chris Gayle on Saturday received a guard of honour during the Super 12 clash against Australia in Abu Dhabi. However, he spoke about his retirement after the game, leaving the cricket fraternity confused over his future. He stated that he wishes to play another T20 World Cup but won’t be allowed to participate by the Windies cricket board. But the 42-year-old said he is not going to join his teammate Dwayne Bravo in quitting international cricket.

Cricket/News

It’s The End Of A Generation As A Disappointing Campaign In 2021 T20I World Cup Ends For West Indies: Kieron Pollard

Published on November 7, 2021

On Saturday, Kieron Pollard, West Indies skipper, admitted that it’s the “end of a generation” for the Caribbeans, and they need to start from scratch to build a world-beating side. However, Kieron Pollard was left disappointed at crashing out of the T20 World Cup with just one win from five matches.

Veteran Australian opener David Warner produced a feisty unbeaten 89 as Australia recorded a facile eight-wicket win over the West Indies to stay alive in the semi-final race at the showpiece. With the defeat in the swansong game for Dwayne Bravo and probably also for Chris Gayle, 2016 T20I WC winners defending champions West Indies missed out on direct qualification for next year’s World Cup. They dropped out of top-8 after Saturday’s defeat.

Kieron Pollard Terms 2021 T20I World Cup A Disappointing Campaign

West Indies and Sri Lanka are demoted into the first round of the 2022 edition after failing to make the top-eight in the T20I rankings before the November 15 cut-off date.

Meanwhile, Kieron Pollard thanked the all-rounder Dwayne Bravo for his service to the team for almost 18 years and wished him luck for the next chapter in his life. Kieron Pollard acknowledged Dwayne Bravo’s service as an all-rounder and highlighted his immense influence on shaping the cricketing culture of the nation.

“Overall it’s been a disappointing campaign. In terms of the batting we have not done well at all. Our bowling has been decent but not good enough. It’s the end of a generation, we have some guys who have done good things for T20 cricket in our team and around the world,” Kieron Pollard said at the post-match presentation.

West Indies players celebrate with the 2016 T20 WC Trophy [Image-Getty]

“We as people are very proud. We have to look at the way we play T20 cricket. What we’ve seen is that one guy in the top four has to bat as long as possible. Going forward I need to do that better. We have to start from a foundation now,” Kieron Pollard said at the post-match press conference.

Dwayne Bravo, who made his international debut back in 2004, played his final T20I game for the West Indies against Australia. Dwayne Bravo made his T20I debut in 2006 and went on to represent the West Indies in 91 games in the shortest format. Both Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle got a guard of honour from the Australian players.

Defending champion of the last T20I World Cup in 2016, West Indies was surprisingly eliminated from semifinal contention after losing to Sri Lanka in the 2021 WC. Dwayne Bravo has played all the T20 World Cups since 2007 and has helped his side win the title in 2012 and 2016. He came out of retirement in international cricket in December 2019 to help his side retain the World T20I title.

Aaron Finch Cannot Understand Why Critics Doubted David Warner’s Abilities

Australia captain Aaron Finch lauded David Warner for his 56-ball 89-run unbeaten knock.

“It was a really pleasing day. I thought it was going to be a long day the way Evin Lewis played. We held our nerves nicely. The way (Warner) managed his innings, got off to a flyer and allowed Mitch Marsh to get into his innings. He’s been a super player for a long time. Can’t understand why people doubted him,” he said.

Australia's Aaron Finch (L) and teammate David Warner (R) are expected to open throughout the World Cup. Photo: AFP — Australia’s Aaron Finch (L) and teammate David Warner (R) are expected to open throughout the World Cup. Photo: AFP

Man-of-the-match David Warner said he just played his natural game.

“Felt satisfying to be there at the end. The key was to play my natural game. It’s about targeting the first two balls and I was able to do that,” said Warner.

“(Our bowlers) have been outstanding. We knew they would come out hard against us. We know the firepower West Indies have and got to a very competitive total.”

Opener David Warner also paid his tribute to the West Indies’ retiring duo of Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle, saying they have set a benchmark for future generations.

“DJ (Bravo) has been a benchmark for all players coming through, and Chris, he’s someone I look up to.”

The left-hander was at his vintage best as he smashed four sixes and nine fours to anchor the 158-run chase. David Warner got good support from Mitchell Marsh, who slammed a 32-ball 53 (5×4, 2×6) before getting out while trying to score the winning run.

Cricket/News

Sunil Gavaskar: Everyone Would Like To See India Face Pakistan In 2021 WC Final

Published on October 22, 2021October 23, 2021

Sunil Gavaskar said that even the ICC, and not just fans or commentators, would like to see India face Pakistan in the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said that even the apex board International Cricket Council (ICC), and not just fans or commentators, would like to see India face Pakistan in the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup. India had beaten Pakistan in the final of the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup.

File image of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar | AFP

Sunil Gavaskar Would Like To See India Play Pakistan In The T20I World Cup Final

England and the West Indies were the finalists of the 2016 T20 World Cup. India and Pakistan are both looking to win the tournament for the second time in their history having won the trophy in 2007 and 2009 respectively.

India-Pakistan faced each other last in the 2019 ODI World Cup round-robin stage, where the former won by 89 runs (DLS method). Their last T20 World Cup face-off resulted in India’s 6-wicket win over Men in Green in Kolkata in the 2016 edition.

India and Pakistan rarely play against each other but have a heated rivalry. (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

However, due to the unfortunate political situation, the two teams haven’t played a bilateral series since 2012-13. Pakistan and India’s last bilateral ties at either of the two neighbouring countries were 2 T20Is and 3 ODIs in India way back in 2012.

“I would like to see India in that final, and Pakistan. What else does anybody want? Even the ICC wants India and Pakistan to be in the final,” Gavaskar said on Salaam Cricket 2021.

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram both named India, Pakistan, England, and the West Indies as favourites to reach the semi-finals.

Wasim Akram: New Zealand’s Chances Depend On The Weather

Wasim Akram said that 2019 World Cup runners-up and World Test Championship winners New Zealand’s chances would be dependent upon the conditions.

“New Zealand’s chances really depend on the weather I feel. It is hot now and if it remains like this, it will be difficult for them but then by October, it will be pleasant. For me, the four sides that can reach semis are India, West Indies, Pakistan and England,” he said.

“They have won the World Cup twice and people keep underestimating them,” said Gavaskar of the West Indies.

Wasim Akram. (Photo: Twitter/ @shoaib100mph)

It’s worth noting that Pakistan is yet to beat their arch-rivals India in a World Cup game in 12 encounters across the T20I and 50-over editions.

Cricket/News

Brad Hogg Reckons If Pakistan Loses Against India, They Will Not Get Through

Published on October 22, 2021October 22, 2021

Brad Hogg, former Australia spinner, feels Pakistan might be out of the World Cup very soon if they lose their opening game against India.

Speaking to Deep Dasgupta on his YouTube channel, Brad Hogg said that Pakistan won’t be able to turn around their campaign in case of a possible loss as they play their next game in two days’ time against New Zealand.

Brad Hogg was a part of two World Cup-winning Australian teams; 2003 and 2007 © Getty Images

Brad Hogg Backing India, Pakistan, West Indies, And England To Reach Semi-Finals

The former Australian bowler is backing India, Pakistan, West Indies, and England to reach the semi-finals of the upcoming T20I WC. The Super 12s stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup is set to get underway this week.

“If Pakistan gets beaten by India in the first game, they’ve got a short turnaround to play New Zealand. I think that will be a huge factor in whether Pakistan goes through or not. If Pakistan loses against India in the first game, I don’t think they will get through, India will get through. So watch that space,” Brad Hogg said.

Meanwhile, Brad Hogg sounded quite optimistic about their arch-rivals India who he felt will surely be in the semi-finals, adding that Pakistan will also go through provided that they win against India.

“The teams that I think are going to go to the semis are England and the West Indies from Group 1 and from Group 2 I think it’s going to be Pakistan and India,” Brad Hogg added.

These are certainly interesting picks from Brad Hogg, who is not expecting his home country Australia to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. England and the West Indies were the finalists of the 2016 T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan are both looking to win the tournament for the second time in their history having won the trophy in 2007 and 2009 respectively.

India has been outstanding so far in a couple of warm-up games they have played so far. They beat England quite handsomely and then went on to beat Australia as well. India has some issues to ponder, but they look for the team to beat with their top three in prime form. In their first warm-up game,

Pakistan brushed defending champions West Indies aside, crushing Kieron Pollard’s side with seven wickets with 27 balls to spare. Russie van der Dussen hit a stunning unbeaten century off 51 deliveries as South Africa pulled off an extraordinary run chase to beat Pakistan.

Brett Lee Expects KL Rahul To Be Top Scorer and Mohammed Shami To Be Leading Wicket Taker

Former Australia speedster Brett Lee feels India’s KL Rahul and Mohammed Shami could emerge as the top run-getter and the leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup Super 12s. KL Rahul has been in sublime form in the IPL where he was the third-highest scorer and his Punjab Kings teammate Mohammed Shami bowled some great spells in recent times including one in the World Cup practice game against England.

Against England in their first warm-up game, chasing a target of 189, India reached 192 for three in 19 overs. Openers KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan were in brilliant form. KL Rahul smashed 51 off 24 deliveries, and Ishan Kishan retired after playing a knock of 70 runs off 46 balls.

KL Rahul for Punjab Kings In IPL 2021 (Image Credit: Twitter)

In their second warm-up game, India thumped Australia by nine wickets with Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav (38), all getting some runs under their belts. Australia’s bowlers captured only one wicket, with spinner Ashton Agar removing opener KL Rahul for 39.

Rohit Sharma (60 retired off 41) showed sublime touch alongside opening partner KL Rahul (39 off 31) as India chased down Australia’s 152 for five in 17.5 overs.

Mohammed Shami picked up three wickets to deal body blows to England on the bowling front, while Jasprit Bumrah picked up one scalp with an excellent economy rate. Although Bhuvaneshwar Kumar went for plenty against England, he made a strong comeback against Australia, showing that the ability to bowl late swing hadn’t deserted him completely.

Ravichandran Ashwin – who had a rather barren IPL — picked up two scalps in one over early in the innings to scuttle Australia’s prospects of getting a big score.

T20I World Cup trophy. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Cricket/News

Brad Hogg Backs India, Pakistan, West Indies And England To Reach 2021 T20I WC Semis

Published on October 21, 2021

Brad Hogg, the former Australian bowler is backing India, Pakistan, West Indies, and England to reach the semi-finals of the upcoming T20I WC. The Super 12s stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup is set to get underway this week.

Brad Hogg appeared on former India batter Deep Dasgupta’s YouTube show DeepPoint. He previewed Australia’s chances at the T20 World Cup and also gave his predictions for the four teams that will reach the semi-finals.

Brad Hogg Predicts England And West Indies Will Go To The Semis From Group 1

These are certainly interesting picks from Brad Hogg, who is not expecting his home country Australia to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. England and the West Indies were the finalists of the 2016 T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan are both looking to win the tournament for the second time in their history having won the trophy in 2007 and 2009 respectively.

“The teams that I think are going to go to the semis are England and the West Indies from Group 1 and from Group 2 I think it’s going to be Pakistan and India.”

Afghanistan combined a belligerent batting performance with tight bowling to stomp to a shocking 56-run win against a somewhat lethargic 2016 T20I WC defending champions West Indies in both teams’ second and final warm-up match for the T20 World Cup 2021.

Mohammad Nabi opened the bowling for Afghanistan and bowled his four overs straight through to return figures of 4-2-2-3, completely stifling West Indies’ chase. Mohammad Nabi bowled 22 dot balls out of 24, conceding only two singles off the bat all through.

Pakistan brushed defending champions West Indies aside in their first warm-up game, crushing Kieron Pollard’s side by seven wickets with 27 balls to spare. In a comprehensive all-around bowling performance, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali found themselves amongst the wickets while keeping the run-scoring down, before a majestic half-century from Babar Azam, and an unbeaten 24-ball 46 from Fakhar Zaman put West Indies out of their misery.

Brad Hogg Predicts Pakistan And India Will Go Through

Brad Hogg is backing Pakistan to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. But he believes they will need to beat India in their first game to have any chance of qualifying.

“If Pakistan get beaten by India in the first game, they’ve got a short turnaround to play New Zealand. I think that will be a huge factor on whether Pakistan go through or not. If Pakistan lose against India in the first game, I don’t think they will get through, India will get through. So watch that space.”

India and Pakistan will face off in their Super 12s opener on Sunday, October 24. And fireworks are expected in the game between the two arch-rivals. Pakistan’s next game will see them take on New Zealand just two days later. Defeats in those two games would probably spell curtains on their campaign.

India chased down 189 to beat England with an over to spare as the bat-dominated ball in Dubai. Russie van der Dussen hit a stunning unbeaten century off 51 deliveries as South Africa pulled off an extraordinary run chase to beat Pakistan. Russie Van der Dussen and David Miller slammed 22 off the final over to seal the win off the very last ball of the match.

India cruised to back-to-back wins in the warm-up games ahead of the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. All the Indian batters contributed to the eight-wicket win, with Rohit Sharma leading the way with a fantastic half-century. India spun a web around the Australian top-order before Steve Smith’s half-century and Marcus Stoinis’ cameo propelled Australia to 152.

IPL 2022/Cricket/Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021)/News

Kevin Pietersen And Sunil Gavaskar Criticize Punjab Kings For Unfair Treatment Of Chris Gayle

Published on October 2, 2021November 7, 2021

Kevin Pietersen and Sunil Gavaskar lashed out at the Punjab Kings team management for their unfair treatment of Chris Gayle after the 42-year-old decided to leave the IPL bio-bubble midway.

Chris Gayle is arguably the greatest ever player to have played in the history of the IPL. However, the league might have seen the last of him. The star batsman has decided to leave the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) bio-bubble for the ongoing edition to stay fresh for the T20 World Cup.

Chris Gayle Image Source : IPLT20.COM — Chris Gayle Image Source: IPLT20.COM

Kevin Pietersen Lashes Out For Unfair Treatment Of Chris Gayle As Punjab Kings Didn’t Play Him On His Birthday

With a mega-auction set to take place for IPL 2022, it remains to be seen if Chris Gayle decides to put his name in the hat again and whether any franchise puts in a bid for the 42-year-old. However, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and former England captain Kevin Pietersen have blamed PBKS’s unfair treatment of the Caribbean southpaw for his decision to leave the ongoing tournament midway.

Speaking to Star Sports, Kevin Pietersen recounted that Chris Gayle was left out of the side for the first game of the UAE leg against Rajasthan Royals on his birthday.

Kevin Pietersen file image | Faheem Hussain - Sportzpics — Kevin Pietersen file image | Faheem Hussain – Sportzpics

Kevin Pietersen said: “He is not being treated right in his environment. He feels like they are using him and getting rid of him, using him and getting rid of him. They didn’t play him on his birthday, cast him aside. If he is not happy, he is 42, let him do what he wants.”

A day after Chris Gayle left them to be fresh for West Indies at the Twenty20 World Cup, Punjab joined Kolkata and Mumbai on 10 points on Friday as the three teams battle for the fourth and final qualifying spot.

Kevin Pietersen highlighted that PBKS did not give Chris Gayle a game on his 42nd birthday last month. As a result, Chris Gayle played only two out of PBKS’s three matches in the UAE leg of IPL 2021, where he managed just 1, and 14 in the two said games.

Sunil Gavaskar Chris Gayle Is A Game Changer

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar felt that despite his age Chris Gayle is still a game-changer who can turn the game’s momentum in no time, and his absence from the team will be a big loss, echoing Kevin Pietersen’s statement.

“A game-changer like Chris Gayle, if he is not in the team, 100 percent it’s a big loss. I think he is in and out of the team. I don’t know what the calculations are. And sure, he is over 40 and he might not be able to do it at a consistent level that he used to do. But he is a game-changer. 3 overs of Gayle storm and the game is gone from the opposition,” said Gavaskar.

Chris Gayle’s decision to leave the competition on Thursday night left Punjab Kings’ fans perplexed.

In a statement issued by the franchise, Chris Gayle said: “Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI bubble, CPL bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself.”

Chris Gayle added, “I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and would like to take a break in Dubai. My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off. My wishes and hopes are with the squad always. All the very best for the games coming up.”

Despite leaving the Punjab camp, he remains in UAE and joins the West Indies squad in a few days for the upcoming T20 World Cup after a short break. In the 2021 season, Chris Gayle featured in 10 games and scored just 193 runs at an average of 21.44 and strike rate of 125.44.

The ‘Universe Boss’ is an IPL legend who already has several records to his name. The Caribbean batsman has amassed 4965 runs in the IPL. He is the third-highest run-getter among overseas players in the IPL, only behind Sunrisers Hyderabad opener David Warner, who has scored 5449 runs and AB de Villiers (5083 runs).

Chris Gayle’s feat includes six tons, which is the most by a batsman in the league. He was won 59 Man of Match awards in his T20 career, which the most by a batsman in the format. The big-hitter holds the record for fastest IPL hundred, as he scored a ton in 30 balls against Pune Warriors India in 2013. His 175 not out against PWI is still the highest individual score in the league.

West Indies players celebrate with the T20 WC Trophy [Image-Getty]

Cricket/News

West Indies Kieron Pollard Reasons Why West Indies Are Successful In T20Is

Published on September 30, 2021

West Indies all-rounder skipper Kieron Pollard has spoken about the nation’s love for the shortest format of the game. The Caribbeans have been remarkably successful in the shortest format with as many as two T20 World Cups to their name.

With the current side, blended with experience and youth, aspiring for a record third title, Kieron Pollard reckons that the prospect of being able to express themselves is a key factor for their fondness towards the format.

West Indies Cricket won the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup. Credits: Twitter

West Indies Kieron Pollard Reasons Why Windies Are Successful In T20Is As West Indies Can Express Themselves In A Short Period

West Indies has been the most successful team in the T20I World Cup as they have already won 2 trophies. One came in 2012 by defeating Sri Lanka by 36 runs, and the other came in 2016 defeating England by 4 wickets. They will have an eye on lifting their 3rd T20 World Cup trophy in 2021.

While speaking to the ICC’s official website, Pollard said: “I just think that the format, we get an opportunity to express ourselves in a short piece of time and that’s something we like to do, we are an exciting bunch of cricketers. But having said that, over the years we have gained a lot of knowledge of how to play T20 Cricket and the different sort of changes and what is needed at different times in order to be successful.”

The West Indies skipper also expressed his optimism ahead of the multi-nation tournament in the UAE. The side staged a fightback for the ages in the 2012 and 2016 editions to win silverware.

‘We’re looking forward to the T20 World Cup against and hopefully we can, you know, show our worth and continue to prove that when it comes to T20, we maybe a step above the rest, ” said Kieron Pollard.

This might be the final major international assignment for several of the senior players as the West Indies usher in a new era. Defending champion West Indies recalled Ravi Rampaul for the first time since 2015 and left out six-hitting star Carlos Brathwaite in their 15-man squad for next month’s T20 World Cup. Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes in the final over of the 2016 T20 World Cup to win the game for West Indies.

West Indies Will Start T20I World Cup Against England

West Indies are among the favorites to clinch the title along with India and England. Their aggressive brand of cricket, coupled with specialist T20 players across all departments, makes them a force to be reckoned with. West Indies have power hitters like Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, and Evin Lewis. Also, their bowling unit is showing continuous improvements.

The defending champions have been drawn with Australia, South Africa, and England in the Super 12s with two more teams set to join the group. They will start their campaign against England in a repeat of 2016 final, in Dubai on October 23. They head into the World Cup on the back of series wins over Sri Lanka and Australia and defeats to South Africa and Pakistan, with all of the matches taking place at home.

Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran, Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr. Reserves: Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein

Cricket/News

West Indies Squad, Schedule, Date, Time And Venue For 2021 T20I World Cup

Published on September 18, 2021September 18, 2021

West Indies recalled experienced pace bowler Ravi Rampaul to the team for the first time in six years as the defending champions on Thursday named their squad for the Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman in October-November.

Ravi Rampaul, a member of the 2012 World Cup-winning squad, played his last T20 match against Sri Lanka in 2015 and returns to bolster a solid-looking lineup that will look to deliver an unprecedented third title for a single team. All-rounder Roston Chase earned his maiden call-up to the T20I squad.

West Indies Are The Only Team To Win 2 T20I World Cups

The much-awaited T20 World Cup tournament is all set to commence from 17 October 2021. The marquee event will be played in OMAN and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Notably, the final of the tournament will take place in UAE on 14 November 2021. The defending champions West Indies will once again be favourites to win the championship.

West Indies, who are in Group 1, which also includes Australia and South Africa, take on England in their opening match of the tournament on Oct. 23 in Dubai. West Indies have power hitters like Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, and Evin Lewis. Also, their bowling unit is showing continuous improvements.

Team West Indies were not having great performance previously, However recently they have gained a sensational form and looking like a dominating force once again under the captaincy of Kieron Pollard. They will be the biggest threat for every team present in the T20 World.

Meanwhile, West Indies has been the most successful team in the T20 World Cup. As they have already won 2 trophies. One came in 2012 by defeating Sri Lanka by 36 runs, and the other came in 2016 defeating England by 4 wickets. They will commence their tournament facing South Africa and will have an eye on lifting their 3rd T20 World Cup trophy in 2021.

West Indies Squad For The Upcoming T20 World Cup 2021

Defending champion West Indies recalled Ravi Rampaul for the first time since 2015 and left out six-hitting star Carlos Brathwaite in their 15-man squad for next month’s T20 World Cup. Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes in the final over of the 2016 T20 World Cup to win the game for West Indies. The Caribbean side won by four wickets with two balls remaining in the finals at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Squad: Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran, Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.

Reserves: Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein

West Indies Schedule For The Upcoming T20 World Cup 2021

October 23, 2021: vs England, Dubai (07:30 PM IST)

October 26, 2021: vs South Africa, Dubai (03:30 PM IST)

October 29, 2021: vs Qualifier (B2), Sharjah (03:30 PM IST)

November 4, 2021: vs Qualifier (A1), Abu Dhabi (07:30 PM IST)

November 6, 2021: vs Australia, Abu Dhabi (03:30 PM IST)

Cricket/News

England’s Biggest Strength Is The Consistency, Says Eoin Morgan

Published on August 20, 2021August 20, 2021

Eoin Morgan says his team is “gathering momentum nicely” as the last edition’s runners-up hope to improve on their showing in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Moved out of India due to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the mega event will be held in the UAE and Oman from October 17 to November 14.

Eoin Morgan: England’s Biggest Strength Is The Consistency

EoinMorgan, whose team won the last edition of the tournament in 2016, has stressed the importance of continuing to play in the manner they have in the last two years.

“I think our biggest strength is the consistency with which we’ve performed at over the last two years. I think in T20 cricket because the game can change quite quickly and there’s a huge group of talented teams within our group, I think every game is important to us,” said Morgan during a chat with the ICC on Friday.

Eoin Morgan of England celebrates with his team as he lifts the Cricket World Cup trophy after the Final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between New Zealand and England at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) — Eoin Morgan. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The 34-year-old skipper feels adapting to the conditions in the UAE, where England has not played a T20 International since 2015, will be one of the key factors for them in the tournament.

“I think we’re gathering momentum nicely, and the important side to that from our perspective is that we’re continuously trying to get better and learn as we go on, simply because the tournament is held away from home. We’re really looking forward to it.”

England will enter the upcoming men’s ICC T20 World Cup as one of the favourites to lift the trophy and limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan believes that his team’s biggest strength is consistency.

As the rest of the world marveled at a West Indian World Cup win against all the odds in 2016, England responded to their heart-breaking defeat by forming an all-conquering white ball outfit. Claiming the Cricket World Cup in 2019 at home, England can complete a rare double, all while righting the wrongs of that night in Kolkata.

Eoin Morgan has confirmed his participation in the second leg of the Indian Premier League, which was postponed earlier this year after 29 games due to a spate of Covid-19 cases in the camps of four different teams across two cities. The rescheduled season will commence in the UAE in September, where the remaining 31 games will be played across three venues (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah).

England Finished Runners Up As West Indies Won The 2016 T20I World Cup The Last Time T20I WC Was Held

In 2016, England finished runners-up as Carlos Brathwaite smashed four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes in a dramatic last over of the final to take the West Indies to a title triumph.

Carlos Brathwaite played the innings of a lifetime. (AFP Image)

“The evolution of T20 cricket and the role it’s played in our great game is hugely significant for the development of the game and the popularity of the game. It’s huge. It’s been a long time coming. We haven’t had one since 2016,” said Eoin Morgan.

South Africa and Australia join England and the West Indies in Group 1 of the Super 12s along with the two yet-to-be-determined qualifiers from Round 1 for this year’s men’s T20 World Cup. England will open their campaign in the 2021 edition of the tournament against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi on October 23.

England will play arch-rivals Australia on October 30 at Dubai International Stadium and will face South Africa in Sharjah on November 6. Incidentally, the 2021 men’s T20 World Cup is slated to kick off from October 17 in the UAE two days after the Indian Premier League (IPL) final.

ICC Confirms Automatic Qualifiers For The 2022 T20I World Cup In Australia

West Indies Slipped Down To 10th Spot In Rankings While Sri Lanka Is Just Above Them At Ninth

You might be interested in

Dwayne Bravo Will continue Playing Franchise Cricket For A Few More Years As Lomg As His Body Persists

Dwayne Bravo Says Kieron Pollard Is A Superstar Of The Game And Chris Gayle Has Some Cricket Left In Him

You might be interested in

Kieron Pollard Terms 2021 T20I World Cup A Disappointing Campaign

Aaron Finch Cannot Understand Why Critics Doubted David Warner’s Abilities

You might be interested in

Sunil Gavaskar Would Like To See India Play Pakistan In The T20I World Cup Final

Wasim Akram: New Zealand’s Chances Depend On The Weather

You might be interested in

Brad Hogg Backing India, Pakistan, West Indies, And England To Reach Semi-Finals

Brett Lee Expects KL Rahul To Be Top Scorer and Mohammed Shami To Be Leading Wicket Taker

You might be interested in

Brad Hogg Predicts England And West Indies Will Go To The Semis From Group 1

Brad Hogg Predicts Pakistan And India Will Go Through

You might be interested in

Kevin Pietersen Lashes Out For Unfair Treatment Of Chris Gayle As Punjab Kings Didn’t Play Him On His Birthday

Sunil Gavaskar Chris Gayle Is A Game Changer

You might be interested in

West Indies Kieron Pollard Reasons Why Windies Are Successful In T20Is As West Indies Can Express Themselves In A Short Period

West Indies Will Start T20I World Cup Against England

You might be interested in

West Indies Are The Only Team To Win 2 T20I World Cups

West Indies Squad For The Upcoming T20 World Cup 2021

West Indies Schedule For The Upcoming T20 World Cup 2021

You might be interested in

Eoin Morgan: England’s Biggest Strength Is The Consistency

England Finished Runners Up As West Indies Won The 2016 T20I World Cup The Last Time T20I WC Was Held

You might be interested in