Dhaka- Left-arm West Indian pacer Sheldon Cottrell said he felt their aggressive style of playing was the key to their win against Bangladesh in the first T20 match in Sylhet on Monday.West Indies played the first T20 with more attacking mindset unlike the previous Test and ODI series. They restricted the hosts for 129 and then chased down the target with eight wickets in hand and 55 balls to play.
While Cottrell took four wickets for 28 – his career best, Shai Hope led the run chase with a fiery fifty to ensure a thumping victory for West Indies.
“Our plan was to bowl aggressively whether we’re bowling yorkers, length ball, or short deliveries. Just to bowl aggressive, and it paid off,” Cottrell told a post-match press conference in Sylhet.
His celebration on the field also drew the attention of the spectators in Sylhet. He was seen saluting his teammates after taking each wicket.
“I am a soldier in the Jamaican defence force. [Saluting] is a way of showing my appreciation to my co-workers. I know I am on international duty, so it’s a way of showing appreciation,” the 29-year-old said.
Winning the first match has put the visitors a step closer to series win. Bangladesh must win the remaining matches to win the T20 series. But Monday’s victory served as a big boost for West Indies and the Tigers will likely have a hard time making a comeback.
“We would like to take this momentum into the next two games and finish our tour here. That has been the talk in the camp, just to win some games and get better mood going. This game is like a platform for to take into the two games,” Cottrell added.UNB
