By Avenash Ramzan
Had it not been for a few injuries to members of West Indies 15-man squad, Jason Holder could have missed out on the on-field action in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The all-rounder, originally named as a travelling reserve, was drafted in as a replacement for left-arm seamer Obed McCoy, who was this week ruled out of the tournament with a right shin injury.
Holder was swiftly drafted in the playing XI for the must-win game against Bangladesh on Friday, after the West Indies lost their opening two matches of the tournament, and made an immediate impact.
The tall right-hander struck two crucial sixes in the final over, making 15* off five balls in West Indies’ 143-8, and then held two catches and picked up 1-22 as the Caribbean narrowly won by three runs.
“I was obviously disappointed not to be part of the original squad, but I’m here now,” Holder said at the post-match press conference.
“I can only control what’s in front of me. Certain things are beyond my control so every opportunity I get I try to cherish it and make the most of it to help this team.”
Holder said the victory on Friday is significant for the team.
“This win means a lot to the team. We obviously are in a do-or-die situation, having to win the last remaining games, so it’s good to start this one off. It was a close encounter; nevertheless, we got over the line.”
Kieron Pollard’s men, the reigning champions, are aiming for an unprecedented third title, but they will need to not only win their final two group games against Sri Lanka (November 4) and Australia (November 6), but do so by margins that would help improve their net run rate, which stands at -1.598.
They are currently in the penultimate spot in six-team Group One, having lost to England by six wickets and South Africa by eight wickets.
