West Indies’ debutant Alick Athanaze created a remarkable impact in his first One Day International (ODI) match by delivering a blazing half-century, propelling the team to a comprehensive series sweep over the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The left-handed batsman wasted no time, scoring 30 runs off just 11 deliveries. He continued his onslaught and eventually amassed an impressive total of 65 runs from only 45 balls.
His remarkable performance contributed significantly to the West Indies successfully chasing down the UAE’s target of 185 runs with an astounding 89 balls to spare, securing a clean sweep of the series with a 3-0 victory.
Despite a considerable wait to make his debut for the West Indies, Alick Athanaze had previously exhibited his batting prowess during the ICC U19 World Cup in 2018.
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He emerged as the top scorer in the tournament, accumulating a total of 418 runs, surpassing even future Indian opener Shubman Gill.
Although he is yet to feature in Test or T20I matches for the West Indies, Athanaze’s exceptional debut performance positions him as an exciting prospect for the national team.
In a strategic move, the West Indies also introduced Kevin Sinclair into the playing XI for the first time in the series. The off-spinner proved his worth with an outstanding bowling display, claiming impressive figures of 4/24 from 7.1 overs. Sinclair’s notable contribution significantly enhanced the team’s performance and added depth to their bowling attack.
Despite their exceptional performances, both Alick Athanaze and Kevin Sinclair have been omitted from the West Indies squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
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However, with their recent performances, they have certainly caught the attention of selectors and are likely to remain as promising talents in the West Indies’ cricketing setup.
Alick Athanaze’s phenomenal debut performance, marked by an equaling record fifty, propelled the West Indies to a resounding victory over the UAE in the third ODI. Alongside the inclusion of Kevin Sinclair, the West Indies showcased their depth of talent and sealed a series sweep.
While both players were not chosen for the upcoming Cricket World Cup Qualifier, they have undoubtedly emerged as exciting prospects for the future of West Indies cricket.
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