Our Men and Women are true champions indeed – Grange

Minister of Culture, Gender Affairs, Entertainment & Sport Hon. Olivia Grange describes the West Indies men’s team as “true and worthy champions” after they became the first team to win the ICC T20 World Cup twice.

The Caribbean men, today, edged a pulsating four-wicket win over England in the grand showdown at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India with Carlos Brathwaite smashing four mighty sixes in the final over with two balls remaining.

“Like every West Indian I was nervous too with 19 runs required from the final over. But Carlos Brathwaite showed that he has a big, big heart. He believes in himself and his calmness under such immense pressure is indicative of his quality and sheer class. Marlon Samuels was outstanding as well, it was his innings that was pivotal in making this victory possible.

But overall this team has proven throughout the tournament that they are true and worthy champions and it’s a victory most deserving for the entire region and all West Indian around the world,” said a beaming Grange.

“We must not overlook the contribution of the West Indies Cricket Board, the coaching and management staff; the sponsors and ardent fans they have all played their part in this momentous occasion for West Indies cricket which undoubtedly remains an emblem of regional integration, pride and joy.”

She added “It is really an historic occasion and I’m really happy that I’m the Minister at this time. We won the Under-19 world time and in less than 24 hours have added the men and women ICC T20 World titles.”

Commentary

The West Indies created history today when they won two T20 titles the same day.

The West Indies women Captained by Stefanie Taylor, a Jamaican faced the Australians whom they have never beaten. Their opponents batted first and posted a total of 149 runs to win. The West Indian girls came through and won by four wickets.

West Indies Men

Later in the day the West Indies men beat England by eight wickets by scoring 24 runs off the last four balls.

Set a target of 155 to win and 20 Overs to make the required runs to win, the West Indians chased the highest total ever chased by them to win a T20 game.

World Record Achievement

West Indies Holds Three World Cricket Titles T20 & 50 Overs …
simultaneously …

The West Indies has had its ups and downs in recent times. Gone are the days when we were test cricket series winners.

Today is a big day for our 6 million people across the Caribbean who make up the West Indies team.

Our under 19 team became world Champions at the 50 Overs format of the game for the first time recently. This was quite an accolade.

Another Record

The West Indians are the only team to win the T20 title twice. We first won it in 2012 and today Sunday April 3, 2016.

Both matches were held in Kolkata, India.

Controversy

Marlon Samuels dedicated his cup of leading scorer for his chief critic Shane Warne.

Darren Sammy, Captain, was scaving in his criticism of the West Indies Board.

Vision congratulates the Windies.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.