“True reflection of where our cricket is,” says Sammy after West Indies' loss to Netherlands in ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023

West Indies lost to Netherlands in a thrilling Super Over finish.

By Salman Anjum - 27 Jun, 2023

Disappointed by West Indies' loss to Netherlands in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023, former skipper and coach Daren Sammy has said that the result is a true reflection of where the Caribbean cricket is at the moment.

All-rounder Logan van Beek starred with the bat in the Super Over as Netherlands registered a historic win over West Indies in a high-scoring thriller that ended in a tie.

Asked to bat first, West Indies piled up 374/6 in their allotted 50 overs on the back of Nicholas Pooran's hundred (104* off 65 balls) and fifties from Brandon King (76) and Johnson Charles (54).

Chasing the target, Netherlands rode on Teja Nidamanaru's hundred (111) and skipper Scott Edwards (67) to post the same score on the board.

In the Super Over, Van Beek smashed 30 runs off Jason Holder's over and West Indies managed to score just 8 runs while also losing a couple of wickets.

"Sometimes you have to reach rock bottom to climb back up. I understand the challenges that are ahead and also understand that things will not change overnight. It's a true reflection of where our cricket is," said Sammy in the post-match press conference.

It was West Indies’ second loss on the trot in the competition and Sammy was once again critical of the team’s efforts on the field, having slammed their fielding efforts after the defeat against Zimbabwe.

"Scoring off more balls is a big element where we have to improve upon in all formats of the white-ball game. Being hungry, even in defeat. So far, I can safely say that we are the worst fielding team in this competition. I speak the truth. We cannot continue showing this type of attitude, or display on the field and call ourselves an international team. Every other team has energy. There are things that we can take which we are supposed to be doing. But again, I would say it is a true reflection of where we are as a team," the coach remarked.

By Salman Anjum - 27 Jun, 2023

TAGS