West Indies, on Friday, suffered a massive setback when they lost their last Round 1 game to Ireland by 9 wickets. The defeat meant nothing but their exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. While Ireland stormed into the Super 12, the 2-time World Champions will head back home with disappointment and remorse.
It was a must-win for Nicholas Pooran & Co. and they were lucky enough to win the toss. The Men in Maroon opted to bat first but couldn’t justify their decision. Only Brandon King played a commendable knock, top-scoring with a 48-ball 62. But the rest of the batters couldn’t contribute much as the Windies were restricted to 146 for 5. In reply, Paul Stirling smashed an unbeaten 66 from 48 balls to seal the chase with 15 balls to spare after legspinner Gareth Delany’s career-best figures of 3 for 16.
Former Indian fast bowler and 1983 World Cup Winner Madan Lal lashed out at the West Indies players for not showing intent during the tournament. In his latest tweet, Lal termed Pooran’s captaincy ‘disappointing’.
“West Indies first time not qualified for the World Cup. The players are happy playing T20 leagues all over the world but no pride playing for their own country. Very disappointing how Pooran has led the side #T20WorldCup2022,” Madal Lal tweeted.
Playing their seventh T20 World Cup, it is only the second time Ireland reached the second stage following their Super 8 appearance at the 2009 edition in England.
