World T20: Lendl Simmons Credits Indian Premier League Experience For Match-Winning Knock Against India
Lendl Simmons, who was not part of the West Indies' 15-member squad for the World T20, was recalled to the side after Andre Fletcher was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring problem against Afghanistan.
Highlights
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Lendl Simmons put on 97 runs stand with Johnson Charles
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Simmons was brought into the side in place of injured Andre Fletcher
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Simmons plays for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL
On a high after a match-winning knock against India which steered the West Indies to the ICC World T20 final, batsman Lendl Simmons on Thursday said that the experience he gained from playing for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League helped him play such an innings in a crucial match. (After Conquering India, West Indies Get 'Champion' Reception)
"I got the news after Afghanistan game. The chairman called and told if I was fit to go and play the match and said yes, I was and to play the match. I was about to get ready on Friday and come to Mumbai for the IPL. I saw an opportunity to get ready for IPL as well. This is my home ground, I read the conditions well and think I read it well. Yes IPL helped me very well," Simmons said at the post-match press conference here.
Simmons was recalled to the side after Andre Fletcher was ruled out of the tournament after hamstring problem against Afghanistan.
On Thursday, West Indies beat India by seven wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.
Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 192 for two in 20 overs, thanks to Virat Kohli's unbeaten 89. In reply, the Windies chased down the total posting 196 for three in 19.4 overs, thanks to Simmons' 51-ball 83 and Johnson Charles' 36-ball 52.
"When I went out to bat, I had clean in my mind what I had to do, because the game was early and we had a target to chase. So before the game I was a bit nervous. And I was in a bit pressure as I came here for a job. We got to chase the target and it was good," said Simmons.
The 31-year-old said that despite Chris Gayle getting out early for just five runs, the side pulled of a stunning win and that shows the strength of the batting line-up.
"This chase proved that West Indie is not a one man show. Chris did not get off tonight but we still got to win the match. Chasing a big total, despite him getting out early, shows the character in our team. Every member in our tea is match winners and we can back ourselves," he said.
The West Indies will now face England, who earlier beat New Zealand in the first semis on Wednesday, in the final at the Eden Gardens on April 3.
About the final, Simmons said: "I think we shouldn't be over confident. On the day which team plays better. We have to go to Kolkata and analyse the situation and game when that comes. The conditions will be different, won't be a batting track like this."