West Indies’ 2021 T20 World Cup: A Complete Recap

The 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, held in the UAE and Oman, was a challenging tournament for the West Indies cricket team. As defending champions, expectations were high, but the journey was marked by disappointment and the end of some of the most illustrious careers. Let’s delve into their campaign from the group stages to their final match, highlighting the key moments and players who left an impact.

Group Stage Games

Match 1: West Indies vs. England

The West Indies kicked off their campaign against England in Dubai. Batting first, the West Indies struggled against England’s disciplined bowling attack, managing only 55 runs in 14.2 overs. In response, England chased down the total in 8.2 overs with six wickets in hand, handing West Indies a heavy defeat. This match highlighted the batting woes that would trouble the team throughout the tournament.

Match 2: West Indies vs. South Africa

In their second group match in Dubai, the West Indies faced South Africa. Batting first, they posted a more respectable total of 143/8, thanks to a solid 51 off 35 balls from Evin Lewis. However, South Africa chased down the target with relative ease, scoring 144/2 in 18.2 overs. This second consecutive loss put the West Indies in a precarious position in the group standings.

Match 3: West Indies vs. Bangladesh

Facing Bangladesh in Sharjah, the West Indies were in a must-win situation. Batting first, they posted 142/7, with Nicholas Pooran scoring a crucial 40 off 22 balls. In a tense finish, the West Indies managed to defend their total, restricting Bangladesh to 139/5 and securing their first win of the tournament by 3 runs. This victory kept their hopes alive, showcasing their fighting spirit.

Match 4: West Indies vs. Sri Lanka

In their penultimate group match in Abu Dhabi, the West Indies took on Sri Lanka. Batting second, they fell short in their chase of 190 despite a valiant effort from Shimron Hetmyer, who scored 81 off 54 balls. The West Indies ended their innings at 169/8, resulting in a 20-run defeat. This loss severely dented their chances of progressing to the semifinals.

Match 5: West Indies vs. Australia

Their final group match against Australia in Abu Dhabi was a do-or-die encounter. Batting first, the West Indies posted a competitive total of 157/7, with Kieron Pollard contributing 44 off 31 balls. However, Australia chased down the target in 16.2 overs, scoring 161/2 and ending the West Indies’ campaign. This match marked the end of an era, with several senior players, including Chris Gayle, Pollard, and Dwayne Bravo, playing their final T20 World Cup game.

Key Performers

Batting Stars

Evin Lewis: One of the few consistent performers with the bat, Lewis’s aggressive starts were crucial for the team.

Shimron Hetmyer: His 81 against Sri Lanka was one of the standout innings for the West Indies, highlighting his potential as a future batting mainstay. With 127 runs, he finished as the top run-scorer for the West Indies in the tournament.

Nicholas Pooran: He played some vital innings, particularly his 40 against Bangladesh, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.

Bowling Heroes

Akeal Hosein: Emerging as a promising spin option, Hosein was economical and took crucial wickets, particularly in the powerplay overs. With five wickets, he was the highest wicket-getter for the Windies in the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Dwayne Bravo: Despite this being his swan song, Bravo’s all-round contributions, especially his death bowling, were vital for the West Indies.

Also Read: West Indies in the 2012 T20 World Cup

Conclusion

The West Indies’ 2021 T20 World Cup journey was far from the fairy tale ending they had hoped for. The team faced significant challenges, especially with their batting consistency and adapting to different conditions. However, the tournament also highlighted emerging talents and provided a platform for a new generation of West Indian cricketers to step up. As the team moves forward, these experiences will be crucial in rebuilding and striving for future glory in international cricket.