India had struggled to get to 268 on a slow pitch. They had two half-centurions in Kohli and MS Dhoni and a quick firing knock from Hardik. They did struggle but then the total proved to be more than enough.
Shami and Bumrah set the tone up front and then once the sole 50-plus run stand was broken between Ambris and Pooran, the middle order was run through by easily. Mohammed Shami finished with 4/16 with beauty to remove hope. Everyone else who bowled, barring Jadhav, got a wicket at least.
They struggled to score runs after the Indians choked them with the new balls. The highest score was 31, which shows that no one was allowed to settle. Today, one cannot complain that they threw it away. The batsmen took their time, dug in, but just could not get anything going their way.
West Indies are now Been officially Knocked Out Of The 2019 World Cup 2019.
Victorious Indian captain, Virat Kohli, on being asked about Dhoni’s batting, says that the latter knows what he is doing. Adds that everyone has off days and the change room backs him.
Further says that when one needs 10-15 runs at the end, Dhoni knows how to get those with the tail, something which boosted the team today, as they were aiming for 250.
Stresses that the unit has guys who play positive and have their brand of cricket but Dhoni is one person in the middle who stands there and sends out a message as to what is a par score on any wicket.
Calls him a legend of the game and hopes that he continues to perform similarly. Looking at India’s last 2 wins, Kohli reflects that the matches have not gone according to plan, but they have found ways to win.
Cites the excellent fielding which demonstrates excellent body language. Firmly states that the team believes that it can win from any position.
Jason Holder | West Indies captain:
Lauds his bowlers for restricting India and laments the poor show with the bat. On Dhoni’s missed stumping, Holder admits that they did not seize the moment but adds that they would have taken 268 on any day. Adds that the team has let itself down significantly and feels the bowlers did their best but the fielding was very poor and the batting was very inconsistent. Agrees that the West Indies need to improve in this format, though stresses that there are plenty of positives in the dressing room. Praises the youngsters for giving it their all when asked of them.
VIRAT KOHLI |India Captain | MAN OF THE MATCH:
Says that he cannot complain about his side at all and is thrilled with the fact that India has become number 1 in ODI cricket. On the improved batting performance in this game, Kohli is happy that India managed to get to 270 from 150/4, something which was not done against Afghanistan. Praises Hardik and Dhoni for finishing things off well. On his advice to his teammates, Virat says that it is not his business to advise others because everyone would have his own gameplan. He is happy to have contributed to the team’s win and hopes to keep performing consistently.
