KINGSTON, Jamaica – West Indies opening bowlers Krishmar Santokie and Samuel Badree were both pleased with their efforts in Friday’s series-leveling victory over Ireland.
Krishmar Santokie. Photos by Johnny Jno Baptiste
Santokie, the left-arm seamer had figures of 4-0-12-1 to mark a successful return to international cricket in front his home supporters at Sabina Park. Badree, the experienced leg-spinner, was equally impressive with 4-1-13-1 as West Indies restricted Ireland to 85-8 off 20 to win by 11 runs in the second T20 International.
“It wasn’t an excellent day in terms of our batting so as bowlers we knew we had to step up and do it for the team. The pressure was on us as bowlers to go out and defend the small target and we did a magnificent job of it,” said the 32-year-old Badree.
“We bowled our hearts out out there to restrict them under our small total and now it feels good to win today and level the series. My role has always been to create pressure at the top of the innings in the PowerPlay and I was just happy to do that and help the team to win.
“The pitch was one where you had to bowl ‘wicket to wicket’ and I knew my lines and lengths would be vitally important. I knew I had to pick up wickets and restrict the scoring.”
Santokie, playing his first match for the Windies since 2012, made the most of his opportunity with the new ball. Backed by a colourful crowd which included several members of his family, he was excellent in his first and second spells from the Courtney Walsh End at the north.
“I’m happy to be back and in the maroon colours and get this win and level the series. It was a boost for me playing in front my home crowd for the first time. Even though the runs were small, we bowled really well and kept the ball in good areas – that was the key to victory today,” said Santokie.
“The conditions suited my bowling, but I still had to get it right. That was what we went out and did today. It felt good that my biggest supporter and my biggest motivator – my father – was in the crowd watching me perform for the West Indies at my best. I know he’s a happy man this evening.”
West Indies will have a full training session on Saturday from 9am. They will meet Ireland in a one off One Day International on Sunday. First ball is 9:30 am (10:30 Eastern Caribbean time)