The final four-day match between the West Indies and the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval ended in a draw.
The West Indies coach believes that despite the disappointment, it will be enough preparation ahead of the two-Test series against Australia starting next week.
Chasing a target of 309 to win, victory looked within reach on the final day as the team reached 221 for 5 at the final break with 88 more to clinch victory.
However, the West Indies were 273 for 8 in the final session after the dismissals of Roston Chase, Alzzari Joseph, and then Kemar Roach. Then, Ramon Reifer and Joshua de Silva combined to help the West Indian team score 277 for 8 in the last eight overs to end the match in a draw.
After the game, head coach Simmons said,
“I’m not happy with the results, we should have won it.”
“We have a few misplaced wickets in the middle, while we were controlling the game, so that was a disappointment, but at the end of the day the way how the guys fought is always greatly encouraging.”
Simmons added that getting a chance to bat and bowl under pressure is a good opportunity ahead of a tough series.
“The two games have been very good for us, mind you, flattish wickets, but the bowlers got the overs in their legs and the batsmen got their time at the crease so that was good for us.”
The West Indies team was thrown out of the 2022 Twenty20 World Cup in the preliminary round and Simmons announced that the upcoming Test series will be his last assignment with the West Indies men’s team.
I agree with Phill.
That’s why I made a post on it after the game..not because we lost wickets at a crucial stage, our guys at bat in the 12 .. 15.. overs never ever thought of winning so they never tried. I would prefer we lost by 5..6..3. runs trying to win.. Most of us would understand that..