We Need To Learn And Tick More Boxes To Win Matches - Kieron Pollard

Team India scripted a fantastic anchored by skipper Virat Kohli to chase down 208 runs in the first T20I against West Indies at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Speaking at the end of the game, West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard said that bowlers have let us down and there is enough scope of improvements ahead of the next game.

Hyderabad witnessed a cracker of a game with over 400 runs being scored in 40 overs of play. Batting first, West Indies amassed 207 runs in their quota of 20 overs hitting Indian bowlers all over the park. Apart from Lendl Simmons, all West Indies batters made significant contributions to post the total. Evin Lewis and Brandon King set the tone before Shimron Hetmyer, and Kieron Pollard made sure they continue the carnage. Jason Holder capped off the end with a brisk innings to finish on a high.

Read More: Twitter Erupts As India Chase Down 208 Runs Against West Indies To Go 1-0 Up

Many less have thought that India would race to the target with eight balls to spare. But KL Rahul and skipper Virat Kohli anchored the chase to perfection despite losing in-form Rohit Sharma early in the innings. Both Rahul and Kohli reached their fifties to be in track before Rahul got out. However, Kohli was in no mood to stop as he remained unbeaten on 94 runs to help India go 1-0 up in the series.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Kieron Pollard said that they need to improve more and tick more boxes to win matches. He also admitted that the bowlers have let them down by giving extra runs which cost them the game in Hyderabad.

Read More: Auto No-Ball: Know All About Third Umpire Checking Front-Foot No-Balls

“Batters did a good effort. You’d take 208 ten out of ten times. We lost due to the extras column. Nearly two and a half overs of extra deliveries. Yes, it was a batting wicket, but if we executed our plans better, it could’ve been a different story. There are only two areas where we lost the game in. Usually, we tend to focus on negatives, but a lot of positives to take away today. King and Hetmyer showed great intent. Fielders did well. In the end, we need to improve, and we will win if we learn to tick more boxes. Can’t fault the effort of the guys,” Pollard said.