As the West Indies launched the ball over Obed McCoy’s head, their players and fans felt their hearts sink. This pivotal moment in the T20 World Cup would ultimately shape the course of their tournament. With their A-Listers together, led by passionate and thoughtful captain Rovman Powell, the West Indies were touted as the favorites to win on home soil. However, their campaign ultimately ended in a narrow loss to South Africa. Despite the disappointing result, the West Indies can take pride in their performance.
Defending only 123 runs against a powerful batting unit, they were not expected to compete, let alone be slightly ahead of the eight-ball when 11 were needed off eight balls. Their achievement in not caving in under pressure is significant, given their reputation for being a boom-or-bust team. Andre Russell’s two wickets in the same over preceded a rain delay that halted the momentum of the two-time champions. If the rain had not delayed the game, who knows what might have transpired?
Rovman Powell (Via Rovman Powell/Twitter)
Instead, the West Indies focused on what was in their control, an approach that was embodied by Roston Chase’s consistent bowling. Chase’s wickets of David Miller and Tristan Stubbs were crucial, as he forced the batters to do something different. In between these two moments, there was an Alzarri Joseph spell, which brought the hosts to the threshold of victory. Joseph’s consistent display of high pace, high accuracy, and high impact brought the door to victory within their grasp. If not for Jansen’s later dismissal of Marco Pierre, the West Indies might have pulled off a heist.
Post-match, captain Rovman Powell emphasized how his side had climbed the rankings and gained a newfound sense of pride and hope. The crowd and fans in the Caribbean were buzzing with excitement, rallying behind the players. Even Powell admitted that the team feels something special when the “Rally round the West Indies” anthem is played before games. The West Indies may not have achieved the T20 World Cup they desired, but they do return to their respective islands with hope.
