Thomas gets Man of the Match award as Windies crush Pakistan at World Cup

Jamaica's Oshane Thomas says he was pleased to have made an impact after copping the Man of the Match award in the West Indies crushing 7 wicket win over Pakistan in their opening match at the ICC World Cup on Friday at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. The 22 year old Thomas picked  up 4-27 in his tournament debut, as Pakistan who were sent in to bat, were routed for just 105 in 21.4 overs with

Fellow Jamaican Andre Russell took 2-4 off his 3 overs and compatriot Sheldon Cottrell 1-18 while captain Jason Holder supported with 3-42. In reply, the Caribbean side cruised to 108-3 in 13.4 overs with Gayle recording a half century which included 6 fours and 3 sixes.

The 39 year old also got to a record 40 World Cup sixes. Nicholas Pooran was left unbeaten on 34. Thomas who was named Man of the Match, was pleased to make a positive impact on his world cup debut. “It was a good experience for me playing my first World Cup and finishing with four (wickets). The start was not what I wanted but I held my head high. A big thumbs-up to Andre Russell; he started everything so we could follow up,” said Thomas.

Meanwhile, captain Jason Holder gave credit to the Jamaican quartet of Russell, Thomas, Cottrell and Gayle for their inspiring efforts on the day.

“Russell is an impact player; obviously what he can do with the ball and also the bat so it was really good to see him coming in with the impact he did today. Well followed up by Oshane and Sheldon started really well for us. Cjhris started us off tremendously and eases the pressure in a chase like this,” said Holder. The Windies will next be in action on Thursday when they take on defending champions Australia at Nottingham. The Aussies will open their campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday while New Zealand takes on Sri Lanka. 

Meanwhile, captain Holder says he is not too worried about the potential injury concerns over Russell and Gayle.
Russell looked to have done damage to his knee when stooping for the ball and rolled over the boundary to receive treatment while Gayle seemed to have had back problems during the Windies’ run chase. While unsure of the nature of their injuries, Holder is hoping the Jamaican pair will be fit for the next encounter.