The year 2016 is turning out to be a dream one for the West Indies. Their colts had ticked off the right boxes to win the U-19 World Cup - an event that preceded the World Cup in India - only to prove that the youth development has been yielding results for a country
that seemed to have gone off the boil in world cricket of late. West Indies were not totally written off as contenders for the ICC World Twenty20 title, but since 2012 when their men’s team had lifted the crown in Sri Lanka, their performance at the international level hardly managed to grab attention. Who would have foreseen that the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata would witness West Indies men and women teams taking the
cricket world by storm after being crowned T20 champions.
Never had it happened in the history of this format that a single
country could go on to clinch twin titles.
Though it was India who won it for the first time under MS
Dhoni in 2007, West Indies and England went on to set up an
unique final this time with two past
champions battling it out for supremacy.
While it was West Indies’
maiden appearance in the women’s
final, the eves kept their cool
to beat Australia only to watch the
men’s team, led by Darren Sammy,
pull off a stunning win against England
to make it a perfect Sunday
night to pop the champagne for all
of the Caribbean and their supporters
who had temporarily shifted base to Kolkata to witness the
grand finale.
In a sense, victory for the West Indies has ushered in a new
era in World T20 cricket. Not only were the women determined
and dogged in carrying themselves all the way to their final
destination, Sammy ensured that he kept faith in his men until
the mission was finally accomplished. It was evident that the
West Indies were fearless throughout the tournament. They
never changed their style of play despite being intimidated
by the might of their opponents. And, like winners who make
their own fortune, they rode their luck till the end to become
the new world champions.
What differentiated the Windies from the others was their
ability to hit out of a tough situation. When they were confronted
with stiff chases, their batsmen irrespective of where
they were batting, tore into the opposition bowlers, clubbing
them for towering sixes and shattering their confidence.
Their performance over a fortnight’s action was reminiscent
of their predecessors who ruled the world of cricket in the 60s,
70s and 80s. World cricket needs the West Indies to flourish as
their brand of cricket remains unparalleled and their uncanny
flair entices most connoisseurs who have seen past teams
devour their opponents with disdain. This was evident when
the likes of Sir Viv Richards batted in his prime. The present
generation is being treated to a similar dose by the inimitable
Chris Gayle dubbed the ‘King of Sixes’. Yes, a new order had
just come to rule the cricket world. Cricket lovers will cherish
the flavour dished out by Windies.
