So the West Indies won the World T20 after an insane last over against England in the final in which Carlos Brathwaite scored four sixes in four balls to win finish the match with two balls to spare.
But just a few hours before Gayle and co danced their way into your hearts, the Windies women beat Australia to lift the Women’s WT20 title. It was on the same ground as well – the Eden Gardens.
But hey, the cricket world didn’t really care as much about their feat.
It’s worse that they get paid just 1/16th of the prize money the men get.
So here’s a reminder that the West Indies men don’t exclusively own the ‘champion’ tag. The women, who comprehensively beat Australia in the final, need to be celebrated as well.
Ladies and gentlemen, the stars of the Windies women’s team…
Stefanie Taylor — Captain
The star batsman led the side with aplomb, scoring 246 runs in six matches at an average of 41. She hit 21 fours and one six and totally deserved the player of the tournament award. Taylor made her debut when she was just 17 and is considered one of the finest cricketers.
Taylor ended the tournament as top-scorer and also took eight wickets. Total winner.
Oh, and bonus fact: she scored an unbeaten 59 in the final.
Deandra Dottin
Top wicket-taker of the team (and joint-top of the tournament) and second-highest scorer as well. What more can you ask from your all-rounder? Dottin had a brilliant tournament with 159 runs and nine wickets and her strike-rate of 115.17 also made her the fastest West Indies scorer.
She’s no easy customer – Dottin is the first to score a hundred in women’s T20 cricket and also pretty good at javelin, shot put and discus. India could do with someone like her.
Afy Fletcher
With an economy of 4.84 in six matches, Fletcher was one of the unplayable spinners of the tournament. Her seven wickets isn’t a bad return and that average of 11.42 is quite brilliant.
The rest of the squad played it’s part too – Hayley Matthews, Britney Cooper, Stacy-Ann King, Merissa Aguillera, Shemaine Campbell, Shaquana Quintyne, Anisa Mohammed and Shamilia Connell.
So while you dance to the heroics of Marlon Samuels, Samuel Badree and Brathwaite, remember these names as well.
Feature image source: AFP