Why would he do that?
That was the primary reaction of a human mind relying on logic and common sense. For a moment, I wanted to believe it couldn’t be Samuels. No. He has rocked the day thus far. He can’t be short of perfection today.
But for that ball.
As that last ball of Shadab’s quota kissed the outside edge of Samuels’ bat, it wasn’t his day anymore. Neither his side’s.
The urge to dominate ended in despair for Samuels. And so for a side that couldn’t afford losing fifth in a row to Pakistan.
********
When Shadab bowled that short leg-break, Samuels kept his composure and slashed it into the square boundary.
It was a gorgeous shot by a seasoned player of spin. There was an aura of command and authority in that shot. That was from those wrists that like to stand tall when it is really tough. It’s not a coincidence that Samuels has two world-cup winning performances to his name.
As the ball kissed the rope, Samuels came down the track. He looked Young Shadab in the eye. And then he pointed his bat towards cover region, “I’m gonna hit you there kid!”.
Samuels had to counter Shadab for WIndies couldn’t afford another young spinner inflicting their ego.
Shadab could’ve lost his nerve. Inexperience can cloud all the skills and wits. Being that threat from a guy like Samuels, there was merely an iota of hope that Shadab could save his skin.
Imad bowls in. When the stroke off Samuels’ bat kissed umpire’s boots on its way down the ground, there was a scientific precision at work. Two balls later, Imad bowled with a mid-on well in place for a straight drive. Samuels didn’t even bother and went the aerial way. It landed around the sight screen.
Next ball flew past cow corner.
Pakistan had lost their chance, if they had any.
**********
Next over started with Walton being undone by Shadab.
When the umpire raised his finger, Shadab didn’t even look at Walton. He turned his face towards Samuels at the other end and looked him in the eye. It was the look of a bullfighter.
After that Shadab bowled another 12 balls to Samuels. At his best, Samuels could score just 4 off them.
Nine that he bowled to others yielded three wickets for five runs.
********
By the time Shadab came in to bowl out, Samuels was somehow convinced that he should respect Shadab. He was happy to see him off. It was just six balls. He didn’t want a drama there.
But it was just him.
Shadab wasn’t done yet.
Shadab never offers easy pickings. His unusual bowling action makes it hard to read out of the palm. He targets certain areas and tries testing variations. He uses his wrists subtly. It is his arm movement that helps him with minor speed variations.
Shadab pitched all six at a certain length on off. Some spun. Others didn’t. First five balls were played nicely but for 0 runs actually. Five dots in T20 are simply exasperating in any situation and here it was the man who had middled more balls than any other batsman from either side.
Samuels, somehow, kept his calm. He could’ve tried to swing it harder and higher. But he preferred to stay out of it.
Last ball of Shadab. Samuels knows it would be a wrong’ un. Shadab knew it too. He pitched it on off. Samuels got in the line. It spun and came back in. Samuels wanted to stop it with a dead willow. He knew it’d spin. But, he didn’t know how much would it.
It was a bit quicker for him. Off the Queen’s park turf, it didn’t turn as much as it should’ve. Samuels was stuck in. It turned a little and kissed the outside edge. Sarfraz completed the rest of formalities.
Shadab stretched his legs. He raised his arms. And then he shouted out like a champion.
A dejected Samuels looked down in despair as he walked off the Oval.
He knew it was over. Not just him, also for WI.
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