Shamar Springer is full of confidence and self-belief following an amazing last over to seal victory for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons against Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League on Wednesday night.
The tall seamer bowler had all the odds stacked against him with Kieron Pollard at the batting crease in a rampaging mood and 14 runs needed. Springer produced four ‘dot balls’ and conceded just five runs to seal a remarkable victory for the home side at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
This sparked joyous scenes of celebration among the near full house in the stands as it handed underdogs Falcons a crucial second win of this season and also propelled them to the top of the points table.
Pollard finished unbeaten on 43 from 28 balls as TKR mustered 159-6 in reply to Falcons 167-6.
“Based on how I read the game I always knew I would have to bowl two overs there at the end, so I was mentally preparing for that situation and that challenge. I knew I had to execute, and I did that. I knew exactly where he likes to hit the ball and where I had ‘to be’ in order to restrict him and win the game for us,” Springer said. “… back home in Barbados I was preparing to bowl the ‘death overs’ … I quite like the challenge. I just keep working on it every chance I get. Last two deliveries I told myself once I execute the first one correctly the game would be over. I focused as hard as I could to get that one spot on and I hit the jackpot.”
The performance marked a comeback for Springer, who missed most of the last due to injury and subsequent rehabilitation. He made his international debut in Sri Lanka but was struck down by a shininjury. His original comeback was slated for the regional four-day first-class tournament but that was delayed until June where he played for Carlton in the local club competition. He then made his comeback to professional for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Global Super League early last month.
“I fought back from injury to be back here. I had some ups and downs and I am happy I made it back to this level, on this stage to be able to put in that kind of performance for the team. I just want to keep improving and we want to keep building as we continue on in the tournament,” Springer said. (PS)
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