Jason Holder all praises for Shai Hope after leveling the series with Pakistan

West Indies won the 2nd Test match of the series against Pakistan at Bridgetown, Barbados. Following engrossing twist and turns during the five days of the Test, it was the West Indies team which came out triumphant with the help of heroics from Shannon Gabriel who took a five-wicket haul on the fifth day.

Captain Jason Holder lauded the efforts of No.4 batsman Shai Hope who ensured the home team acquired a healthy lead, with his 90 off 314 balls. Holder also commended his bowlers who dismissed the Pakistani batsmen within 81 runs after setting a target of 187.

“It was a collective team effort, We got runs in the first innings which I felt was crucial, and we were able to back it up with a solid second innings performance on that kind of pitch. I think credit must go to Shai Hope, and obviously, our bowling department was outstanding the entire game” said Holder.

“His innings was outstanding. He likes batting here; I think he has two double centuries at this ground. And it’s good he came here, playing his second Test match here, and went on to score a half-century,” he added.

Holder was disappointed that Hope could not go on to score his much-deserved hundred, “Unfortunately he didn’t go on to score a hundred, I felt he deserved it, but that’s the way cricket goes. But I felt his innings was really crucial. He was patient and selective. He played on merit and was able to get a good score for us” stated the Barbadian.

Holder further mentioned that the team was comfortable with the lead they had and bowlers backed their abilities to bowl in good areas, creating havoc in the Pakistani camp. He concluded by saying that it was a collective team effort as everyone contributed some way or the other for the win.

“We felt if we could give them anything in excess of 170, we were in with a really good chance on a day-five pitch.It was all about being patient, we needed to hit our lengths, and use our cutters, cross-seam deliveries, anything that would give us assistance of the wicket. We dropped one or two chances, an area we need to improve on, but it was still a strong collective team effort,” said the all-rounder.

The focus now shifts to Roseau, Dominica, where the series decider will be played. Both teams will be geared up for the farewell Test for Misbah and Younis.