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Highlights
Marlon Samuels, West Indies’ hero in their World T20 final win on Sunday with a 66-ball 85 not out, took a dig at Australian spin legend Shane Warne, minutes after his knock ensured the Caribbean Kings became the first team to win the tournament twice. (West Indies Ride Marlon Samuels, Carlos Brathwaite Knocks to Stun England in World T20 Final)
Samuels was adjudged player of the final for an innings that included nine fours and two sixes. “This (Man of the Match award) is for Shane Warne. I didn’t say much (to myself) other than swing and swing hard,” Samuels said. (Darren Sammy Turns Emotional, Lashes Critics After West Indies Clinch World T20)
The 35-year-old Jamaican was referring to Warne’s comments, after West Indies’ semifinal win over India, that Samuels was ‘pretty poor’ and ’embarrassing’ batsman, for someone who played at No. 3.
Chasing 193 to win versus India, Samuels came to the crease in the second over after Chris Gayle departed. Despite a good start, Samuels fell at 8, as he tried to back away outside leg and took a wild heave but edged to Ajinkya Rahane at cover, off Ashish Nehra.
“Well, this is a bit embarrassing for Marlon Samuels. He’s nearly off the pitch backing away again. He’s backed away every ball. For your No. 3, Marlon Samuels, in this situation in such a big game, that’s an embarrassing dismissal. That’s pretty poor,” Warne said about Samuels to cricket.com.au.
Samuels – the hero of 2012 win
Samuels has always risen to challenge when it comes to big games. In the 2012 World T20 final which West Indies won, Samuels was the player of the final with a 56-ball 78.
“I know about finals, when I come to finals, I turn up for the team. All respect to the England players, we want to move from strength to strength – this is for the Caribbean. If we get a good start, then I can step on it, but we lost wickets early (today) so it was different,” Samuels said.
Source: NDTV