The West Indies have not gotten off to a good start to their New Zealand tour. The Caribbean team fell short in the first T20 of the three-game series due to an exceptional hitting performance from the hosts. WI broke 180 runs in 16 overs with captain Kieron Pollard leading from the front. But Jimmy Neesham stayed until the end to lead his side to victory in 15.2 overs. But the second T20 was a completely one-sided affair, as NZ hit 238 runs in 50 overs and then restricted the visitors to a score of just 166/9. With that victory they took the series.
Pollard admitted Monday that he did not expect his team to be completely outmatched by the hosts in the T20I series.
Pollard’s comment came as the third and final Q20I in the series was canceled due to rain Monday here at the Bay Oval. Windies lost the first two T20Is of the series, and the second game also saw Pollard’s team concede 238 runs in 20 overs.
The Windies skipper also gave his opinion on the sloppy fielding displayed by the wingback in the first two T20Is of the series. The visitors were seen dropping attendees and the side also let the ball slip out of their hands most of the time.
“Obviously disappointed. As a unit, I didn’t expect to be beaten so badly. It is up to us to compete and win the series. Conditions are totally different from where we come from. We didn’t have enough time to practice, to practice medium wicket, like that, so it was difficult to win in New Zealand. Fielding is an attitude, ”Pollard quoted ESPNCricinfo as saying.
“That’s the only time it’s 11-2 in the park. And if you don’t show the intention of wanting to do it, it will be difficult. So, as individuals, we have to look in the mirror. We don’t want to feel like the laughing stock in the locker room. Now we have the opportunity to think about it and come back. Next year is very crucial with the World Cup approaching. So if the players don’t show that attitude, they can get the loot, ”he added.
Some of the Windies players who came directly to New Zealand after playing the Indian Premier League (IPL) did not have much time to train as they had to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Pollard himself showed good bat form in hand, even playing a 75-run knock from just 37 balls in the first T20I. Now the West Indies will face New Zealand in the two-game test series.
The test side would be led by Jason Holder, while for New Zealand, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult will return to action. The first test is scheduled to begin on December 3.
(with ANI inputs)
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