Windies dropping out of contention

By Gemma Wright

The home nation may have drawn the biggest crowd and created the most vibrant atmosphere at this ground so far in this tournament, but the West Indies team were once again unable to live up to the hopes of their supporters.

　

There has been some poor fielding in this tournament: Ajmal dropping three sitters against England and India’s general performance against Australia spring to mind.

　

But by far the worst bit of fielding has come from this passive West Indies side. Jayawardene, the in-form batsman of the tournament, edged a ball from Benn which looped into the air and landed between Fletcher, the keeper, and Hinds at short thirdman. Neither called for it and it dropped in the narrow gap between them. Man-of-the-match Jayawardene, on 66 at the time, went on to make an unbeaten 98. In all the Windies dropped six chances.

 

Jayawardene has posted scores of 81, 100, and now 98 at this World T20. Whilst the West Indies were poor in the field, nothing should be taken away from the class of his batting, backed up by Sangakkara (68) at the other end. Their second-wicket partnership of 166 is a record in international T20, and fell just four short of equalling the highest ever partnership in the same format, posted by Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman in 2009. Falling two short of being the first batsman to ever make two T20 centuries, Mahela claimed to be relieved not to have faced the final few balls as he was exhausted.

　

The West Indies never threatened in reply. They have men capable of playing match-winning innings in such circumstances – Gayle, Chanderpaul and Bravo to name but three – but none of them could seize the moment. Perhaps they were intimidated by ‘scoreboard pressure’, for the run-rate of nearly 10-an over allowed no room for settling in.

　

The only worry for Sri Lanka was the fitness of Murali. Returning to the side despite a groin strain, he required more treatment after the game and is a doubt for Sunday’s game against Australia.

　

Neither game on Friday was close. Imposing first-innings totals, aided by sloppy fielding, resulted in one-sided encounters. Sunday’s game between Friday’s losing teams has become a must win for both.

　

At least the West Indies can take some heart from the performance of their women’s side. A narrow victory over England has seen them qualify for the semi-finals of a major women’s competition for the first time.