West Indies have beaten World XI by 72 runs in the one-off T20 match held at Lord’s. The fixture was played out to raise funds for the five cricket stadia which were destroyed in the hurricanes last year in the Caribbean.
Batting first, West Indies posted a massive 199 for 4 in their 20 overs. Evan Lewis was the star of the show with a blistering 26-ball 58. The middle order also contributed to the cause, as Marlon Samuels scored a 22-ball 43, and Denesh Ramdin got a 25-ball 44. Their innings received a proper end, as Andre Russell played a sensational cameo, scoring 21 of just 10 balls.
Tymal Mills was the focal point in World’s XI bowling, ending with figures of 0 for 13 in three overs. While skipper Shahid Afridi also gave him a little support, with figures of 1 for 34 from four overs, the other bowlers were taken all over the park by the Windies batting.
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In reply, World XI were never in the game, as their top-order was dismantled by Samuel Badree and Andre Russell, both ending with two wickets. Barring a 37-ball 61 from Thisara Perera, no other batsman put up a fight in the mammoth chase of 200. Kesrick Williams took three wickets for Windies.
Lewis was adjourned man of the match for his exceptional batting display. Speaking at the post match conference, he said, “It was a pretty decent wicket, bit on the slow side. We went out there and scored almost 200 and then defended. It’s always good to give back, the people of Dominica will feel relieved that we did something for them, and got a victory as well. Important that we make the most of every opportunity to play for West Indies.”
Shahid Afridi, skipper of World XI, had nothing but praises for the winning team. He said, “They are champions and they played like champions. Want to thank ICC for inviting me, being part of a good force. We have to help each other through sports, cricket, if people are struggling with health or education, we should support each other. I’m lucky to finish my career at the Home of Cricket, thanks to Andy Flower and everyone for giving me the opportunity. I’m struggling with my fitness, but because of this cause I’m here.”
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Finally spoke West Indies captain Carlos Brathwaite, who thanked the fans and World XI for participating in the noble cause. “Massive thank you to everyone who came, and Shahid and the World XI boys for taking the time to come. Hopefully we’ve raised some money to benefit people back home and help the infrastructure. People have been struggling, but this good feeling will spread throughout the Caribbean. Hopefully we can get the electricity back on and make people feel better.”