Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Jan 27 (IANS): Captain Jason Holder believes the West Indies’ triumph in the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against South Africa was a reminder it can compete strongly with top sides in the world.
Trailing 0-3 in the series, the West Indies Sunday bounced back to beat the Proteas by one wicket at St. George’s Park, after chasing down 263 with nine balls to spare, reports CMC.
“We have known it from the start, that we have the ability to win cricket games. It’s just one or two mistakes that have cost us games - losing wickets in clusters, a dropped chance or even one or two big overs when we bowled,” said Holder Monday.
“It’s all about putting together the complete game. Fortunately … we were able to get over the line even though I don’t think we played the complete the game in that we let it get down to number 11.
“Having said that, it’s just good to get across the line, it does a lot for our morale.”
Holder was the best bowler with four for 53 as the West Indies strung together a disciplined performance to limit the Proteas to 262 for eight, despite David Miller’s splendid unbeaten 130.
The West Indies then fought their way out of trouble thanks to half-centuries from Andre Russell (64 not out), Marlon Samuels (68) and Darren Sammy (51).
“I’m obviously very pleased. It’s been a tough tour so far and we’ve already lost the series but as I said before, it’s just about salvaging some pride and I was just very pleased to see how the guys came out and won this game …,” Holder pointed out.
“Being three-nil down is not a good note but it was very fitting how the guys came out to this game and performed. They were always up for it, the attitude was very good.
“We just had a little blemishes in the field here and there but apart from that, I thought we played a really good game of cricket.”