Despite the negativity directed at the team during the five-match T20I series against England, West Indies captain Kieron Pollard stated the team was able to defeat the ultimate win.
The West Indies defeated England by 17 runs in the fifth and final match at the Kensington Oval here on Monday, clinching the series 3-2. All-rounder Jason Holder took four wickets in four deliveries, and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein (4/30) bowled superbly.
During the series, there have been rumors of a rift in the West Indies team, with voice notes spreading on social media questioning Pollard's reliability. A statement in a West Indian publication claimed that the men's team was being abused, with all-rounder Odean Smith's treatment being examined.
Smith was reportedly victimized, according to West Indies men's head coach Phil Simmons, especially after he was left out of the playing eleven for the third T20I.
"It's great," Pollard remarked after the series win on Monday. I thank the Almighty for this victory, but I believe every single person in that locker room fought together throughout the process.
"Every time we won a game, there was something bad against us," the white-ball skipper said. "But we came out tonight and the players fought so brilliantly, well done to every single one of them and all the supporters who supported us."
As the home team won the five-match series, Jason Holder became the first West Indian bowler to achieve a hat-trick in T20Is and only the fourth player in history to take four wickets in as many deliveries.
Holder was named 'Player of the Match' and 'Player of the Series,' confirming his standing as one of the best all-rounders in the world across all formats. He called the performance "repayment" for a previous underwhelming performance in the fourth T20I on January 30, 2022.
"A classic finish. It probably wasn't the best of starts for myself but for me, I always try to stay in the game and you never know how this game can go," he said.
"Last night was a topsy-turvy game for me as well, starting well but not being able to finish but it's the total opposite today, not starting well but being able to close the game out."