Last Updated on 5 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
Only 7.4 overs were possible in fifth T20I between India and West Indies due to the Bengaluru rain, leaving both teams settling for a 2-2 series draw. The visitors twice came back from series deficits to level things up, winning the second and fourth T20Is courtesy of outstanding batting performances.
At the heart of it all was Shai Hope. The West Indies captain had the tour of a lifetime, scoring four hundreds across the ODIs and T20Is. He finished with 261 runs in four T20Is at an average of 130.50 and strike rate of 190.51. He was awarded player of the series.
Speaking to the host broadcaster after the final match was called off, Hope said self-belief is vital no matter what has happened in previous knocks.
“You still have to have that self-belief. Honestly, whenever I cross the line, even if I haven’t got any runs in the last two, three, four, five innings, I still believe that I can get the job done,” Hope said, as quoted by Cricinfo.
“I think that’s what kind of keeps me going, keeps me grounded as well, knowing that even if I do score a hundred or I get a big score, in the next game I still have to start from scratch.
“So my process never changes. I try to stay as neutral as I possibly can. I just back my ability to get the job done because I prepare, I think, well enough. So just allow that to happen and hopefully when the execution comes, it goes in my favour.”
Hope also said the series was a measure of the West Indies’ progress. He feels they are regularly improving and is optimistic ahead of important tournaments next year and beyond.
“We were very close. It’s something that we haven’t done in so many years. To get this far in the series, give ourselves a good chance, it obviously shows what we’re doing as a unit,” Hope said.
“We’re certainly progressing. The success doesn’t necessarily have to be series wins. But to see the way all the guys have been progressing as a team is very commendable.”
India captain Shreyas Iyer was full of praise for Hope. He said India could’ve executed better, but didn’t stop short of giving credit to his opposing skipper.
“They batted phenomenally well and also Shai Hope, brilliant performance by him, the way he was cruising through in the series. It was difficult at times but kudos to him.”
India have another quick turnaround with a T20I series in New Zealand starting Thursday. West Indies will travel to Bangladesh for two Test matches, starting October 28.
