ICC World Cup 2019 | We have just got to be better, states Jason Holder
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A disappointed Jason Holder exclaimed that his team has failed to match expectations and seize the crucial moments as he called for his side to improve after they fell to another defeat against Sri Lanka. He went on to acknowledge the stand out performers as the team gears up for its final game
After winning their first game in the tournament with some aplomb in what remains one of the best bowling performances of the present edition of the World Cup, a lot of hype was created around the West Indies team. Bowling out Pakistan for a paltry 105, the Carribean team was pegged to be the dark horses and expectations had multiplied.
However, since then they have lost six games on the trot, barring a wash-out against South Africa and are reeling in the ninth spot with just three points after their loss to Sri Lanka last night. Having won the toss and decided to ball, they could never really get on top of the opposition batsmen. A brilliant century by Avishka Fernando apart from cameos from Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews propelled the Lions to 338/6.
"We have just got to be better. We've let some key moments slip in this World Cup. I thought their score was on par. Fernando batted well - showed us things get easier if you stay in,” Windies skipper Jason Holder said in the post-match interview, reported ESPNCricinfo.
However, with the target quite achievable considering the pitch, no one could stay long enough to take the team home as wickets kept tumbling regularly. Nicolas Pooran’s 118 off 103 balls ignited hope but the innings saw three run outs including that of Fabian Allen when he was on 51 off 32 balls and the team was cruising to victory. From there, they could not recover and fell 23 runs short of Sri Lanka’s total.Â
“Pooran was excellent too. I thought we finished our bowling well. But our fielding let us down. That run-out was crucial, Hetmyer's run-out was crucial too,” Holder added.
Having already been knocked out with their loss against India in the last match, the Windies will have their pride to play for as they end their campaign on Thursday with a match against minnows Afghanistan.
“We just want to play the perfect game next time," Holder concluded.
