'Just lead attack and get us onto right track' - Jason Holder backs Alzarri Joseph to take West Indies to new heights

The star West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder has lauded Alzarri Joseph for his impressive match-winning spell against Zimbabwe in their latest match at the T20 World Cup 2022. Both Holder and Alzarri shined in West Indies's crucial win against Zimbabwe, which has boosted their hopes to qualify for the Super 12 round.

West Indies suffered a shocking 42-run defeat against Scotland in their opening World Cup clash. Both Holder and Alzarri took two wickets each but Scotland managed to put in a big 160/5 total and then West Indies' innings got wrapped up on just 118 runs. West Indies started well against Zimbabwe in their second Group B clash but the middle order collapsed from 90/2 to 101/6 as they managed to score only 153/7 while batting first.

Zimbabwe were always favourite to chase the target after scoring 174 runs against Ireland in their opening fixture in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe openers started well by smashing 18 runs in the opening over and put their team in the favorites spot to reach the next round. But Alzarri gave West Indies a much-needed breakthrough in the third over and another wicket in the fifth over to initiate a comeback.

It's great to see that progression and I hope Alzarri Joseph can fulfill his dreams: Jason Hoder

Alzarri finished the game with four wickets while conceding only 16 runs from his four-over spell and Holder grabbed crucial three wickets for 12 to guide West Indies to a big 31-run win. After the win, Alzarri praised Holder and described him as a "fatherly figure to all in the camp." Now Holder has also lauded the young pacer for his recent progress as a bowler and advised him to lead the attack and get West Indies onto the right track.

"Alzarri should be proud of his progression. I see him as a leader. He's leading the attack at a young age and showing great attributes as a leader. His performances don't surprise me because of the work he's put in. His discipline, dedication towards the cause and his business-like attitude is really great to see for a young player. My simple words to him are: 'Just lead the attack. Get us onto the right track'.

"That's what he did yesterday, got us that first breakthrough and that really set the tone. I see him as an impact player. He's got pace and skill too, and when he has the ball in hand, I expect big things from him. He's now really matured as an all-format bowler, one of our only at the moment. It's great to see that progression and I hope he can fulfill his dreams," Jason Holder said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Alzarri, who was the leading wicket-taker in the Caribbean Premier League 2022, has taken 11 wickets from his last four T20I innings and will play a crucial role in West Indies' next T20 World Cup clash against Ireland on October 21.