Shamar Joseph made an unmatched T20I record against Italy: West Indies have clinched four out of four spots in the group stage as they won their final game against Italy by 42 runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. The Windies had already qualified for the Super 8s before the start of this game and it was a match to maintain their momentum before the next round.
When invited to bat first, team captain Shai Hope played an excellent inning of 75 runs in 46 balls. Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford made some important contributions, helping the team post a good score of 165/6 in 20 overs. Italy’s bowlers, especially Krishan Kalugamage, kept them in the contest. Kalugamage’s 2/25 and Benjamin Manenti’s 2/37.
Italy had no answer for Shamar Joseph
Chasing the target, the Italian team kept losing wickets at regular intervals and the entire team collapsed at the score of 123 runs. Benjamin Manenti was the top scorer with a score of 26 runs; No batsman of the team could go beyond the score of 30 runs. Shamar Joseph was the best bowler for West Indies.
Shamar Joseph took 4 wickets for 30 runs in his four over spell. He bowled brilliantly in the middle overs and then in the death overs. He was also excellent in the field, dismissing the ball four times and taking four catches in the match. After this he made a record and registered his name in the history books.
Shamar Joseph adds his name to the history books
Shamar Joseph became the first cricketer to take four wickets and four catches in a T20I match for both men’s and women’s formats. He made this record in his name when he took the wicket of Thomas Dreka in 17.4 overs of the match. Shamar has had a good performance in the T20 World Cup, as he has taken 7 wickets in the competition so far.
Shamar has been the joint-leading wicket-taker for the West Indies in this edition of the major tournament. He has also been economical, his economy in the tournament so far has been 7.75. That is why he is included in the top 10 list of leading wicket takers in the tournament.
Shamar Joseph decided to withdraw from PSL
Shamar Joseph, who was selected at Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United, is set to be replaced by Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani. United picked up Joseph at his base price, PKR 11 million, in the PSL auction last Friday.
According to the report of ESPNcricinfo, the contract has been terminated by mutual consent. There are reports that neither the fast bowler nor the franchise intends to give any statement on this matter.
Talking about the match, it was a special win for the team because Jason Holder was playing his 300th international match for the West Indies. Jason Holder has been the joint-highest wicket-taker for West Indies in this edition of the tournament. West Indies have a chance to win this tournament once again, as the last time they played in India, they were champions.
Also read: World Record!! Harmanpreet Kaur becomes the player with most international matches in women’s cricket history
