Better late than never
Hetmyer unfazed by delayed arrival to team camp; guides Windies to World Cup win against Scotland
KOLKATA, India (CMC) — Less than 24 hours after arriving in India, Shimron Hetmyer announced himself in spectacular fashion by smashing a match-winning half-century to help West Indies defeat Scotland by 35 runs in their first match of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup on Saturday.
Hetmyer had been stuck in South Africa since January 31 because of visa issues, resulting in him missing the team’s lone warm-up match against Afghanistan on Wednesday.
He arrived on the subcontinent on Friday, when he took part in the ICC’s official photo shoot.
The 29-year-old, who came to the tournament in ripping form after scoring 171 runs in the three-match series against South Africa, blasted 64 off 36 balls, including six sixes and two fours, as the Windies posted 182 for five in their 20 overs at Eden Park.
He brought up his half-century in only 22 balls — the fastest by a West Indian at a T20 World Cup.
Speaking in a post-match interview Hetmyer, who was named Player of the Match, said he did not allow his late arrival to dampen his spirit.
“I guess everything happens for a reason, so I’m not really complaining. I’m just giving thanks to the Almighty for giving me the strength and helping me to get here.
“When I got here it was just to focus and put that behind [me], and just make sure that when I came out here today I focused on the game ahead, and focused on my batting and making sure I give the bowlers a good score or chasing down [a target],” Hetmyer said.
With the now-retired Nicholas Pooran absent from the West Indies’ squad, Hetmyer has been promoted to number three.
He said while he was accustomed being used as a “finisher” he is relishing the opportunity to bat a bit higher up in the order.
“It’s fun. It’s something that I used to do in the beginning but I guess playing more T20s, finishing was also fun for me but if I had to choose, I’ll stay up top,” Hetmyer said.
“It’s just about mindset really. Because batting at three, the ball just moves about a little bit more and comes onto you a little bit faster than when you’re batting at five or six, so it’s just for you to get into position as early as possible and just execute.”
