By Pragya Tiwari,IANS,
Mohali : Kieron Pollard’s power knock of 94 off 55 balls literally took the match away from Ireland in a World Cup Group B match and the all-rounder said his performance was an answer to all those who doubted his potential as an international cricketer.
“This knock will be a stepping stone. People had been saying that Pollard isn’t an international cricketer. So, I wanted to perform and what bigger stage than World Cup to do that,” Pollard, who was adjudged the Man of the Match, said after the West Indies’ 44-run victory.
The win was the West Indies’ third from four matches and put them firmly on course for a quarterfinal spot. The Calypso Kings were off to a slow start before Pollard along with Devon Smith scored with urgency to take them to a competitive total of 275.
“I came to bat at pressure time. But I took my chances and I am happy that the knock helped the side win the game,” said Pollard.
The 23-year-old from Trinidad and Tobago also took a stunning diving catch to remove dangerman Kevin O’Brien, who had stuck the fastest World Cup century against England.
“That time we were in a crucial position. We knew what Kevin was capable of doing. I was strategically placed there and it was a good catch.”