END OF OVER:20 | 9 Runs | BAN: 139/5 (4 runs required, RR: 6.95)
- Mahmudullah31 (24b)
- Afif Hossain2 (2b)
- Andre Russell4-0-29-1
- Dwayne Bravo4-0-36-1
6.06pm: Right that brings us to the end of this thriller. West Indies are still alive in the T20 World Cup 2021. Technically, so are Bangladesh, but they'll need a lot of results going their way and a huge NRR boost. Meanwhile, the second game for today has started, so hop over to Afghanistan vs Pakistan. On behalf of Vishal and Thilak, this is Saurabh Somani bidding you goodbye.
Nicholas Pooran: It's tough managing all the players, but everyone gives me full support. All hands on the deck on field. Unfortunately we didn't really take all our catches, but the belief was there. We backed our experience to close out the game. (On not using Chase) had faith in our experienced bowlers. Akeal had been bowling really well and did today again. On that wicket back of a length was tough. (Russell last over) He's a big player and executed for us. (On Pollard's health) He looks fine, the medical team is still working with him but he should be okay. You can see why he's a wonderful leader, walking back in to hit that last-ball six. We try to be someone like that in the future.
Mahmudullah: I think Liton's wicket was very crucial because we were both set. If that would have been six⊠that's probably one advantage when you have tall fielders. Having said that, bowlers did quite a good job but we missed a few chances that cost 10-15 runs. We tried (to go harder at the top) but the wicket wasn't one where you could hit. When you bowled back of length it was hard to score. The bowlers did a good job, but it's the batting⊠but it was a close game, we can't blame batters or bowlers, in T20 cricket some games you win, some you lose. (Dropping catches) that is an issue, we need to do better.
Nicholas Pooran is the Man of the Match: Tactical move (to go lower down the order). We talk about batsmen taking responsibility and doing what's needed for the team. The batting hasn't clicked yet and we needed to put our hands up. I felt as a cricketer and a batsman I needed to put my hand up. We were missing Polly too. I have been working very very hard for the last couple of months, things just hadn't gone my way. I hadn't been doing myself justice, giving away my wicket. I'm always confident and positive about my attitude and skills.
Ihsaan: "The unsung Hero. Jason Holder in his comeback game. Hit 2 valuable 6's in the last over. Bowled well, and that catch off Liton which was destined for 6 " -- well Ihsaan, I've been singing his praises on commentary at least!
Rachel: "First meaningful contribution from Pooran in 2021." --- if you discount CPL 2021 entirely, then yes Rachel. Otherwise, he was part of our CPL 2021 tournament XI. He was quite superb there.
soumith potturi: "Bangladesh couldn't score 16 off last 11 balls while Windies got 19 off the last 5 balls. How important are these last overs.."
Deepak: "The last ball six from Pollard in West Indies innings, did it for them, considering he was not middling the ball.."
5.52pm: A proper thriller. West Indies had it, then Bangladesh had it, then West Indies got it back. And this after they were 48 for 2 in their first 10 overs. Nicholas Pooran captained them in the field with Pollard off, and he eventually marshalled his resources well. Pollard on the field now, looks okay. Pooran's innings was the game-changer - he batted on a different pitch to the rest. But don't forget Jason Holder's many contributions - with bat, with ball, in field. What on earth was he doing in the reserves? (I know it's been asked, but it bears repeating).
Batsmen crossed, so Afif on strike, Dre Russ to bowl the final over. 13 off 6 needed.
END OF OVER:19 | 9 Runs 1 Wkt | BAN: 130/5 (13 runs required from 6 balls, RR: 6.84, RRR: 13.00)
- Mahmudullah25 (20b)
- Dwayne Bravo4-0-36-1
- Ravi Rampaul4-0-25-1
Liton Das c Holder b Bravo 44 (81m 43b 4x4 0x6) SR: 102.32
ghost ball. completed his action but didn't release it.
charan: "Finally a cliffhanger !!!"
END OF OVER:18 | 8 Runs | BAN: 121/4 (22 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 6.72, RRR: 11.00)
- Litton Das43 (41b)
- Mahmudullah17 (16b)
- Ravi Rampaul4-0-25-1
- Dwayne Bravo3-0-27-0
END OF OVER:17 | 3 Runs | BAN: 113/4 (30 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 6.64, RRR: 10.00)
- Mahmudullah16 (14b)
- Litton Das37 (37b)
- Dwayne Bravo3-0-27-0
- Jason Holder4-0-22-1
33 off 24. Grandstand finish looming.