NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – West Indies speedster Kemar Roach conjured up a magical bowling spell to register the first hat-trick of the 2011 World Cup and spur his team to a 215-run win over the Netherlands in a Group B match today.
With Dwayne Bravo’s inspiring words still ringing in his ears, the 22-year-old from Barbados claimed 6-27 from 8.3 overs, his last three deliveries mopping up the Dutch tail to complete a memorable hat-trick and give his team just the kind of boost they needed in the tournament.
“I take a lot of inspiration from him,” Roach told reporters, occasionally looking at the glittering man-of-the match trophy placed in front of him.”
Bravo has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.
“To me he is the big brother. His words inspired me this morning. He tried to give me confidence and I’m glad to perform in front of him.
“He said ‘go hard and enjoy’, as he always does, ‘and be confident of what you do’.”
Bowling the 32nd over, Roach trapped Pieter Seelaar and Bernard Loots lbw before flattening Berend Westdijk’s middle stump to complete his hat-trick.
Chasing an improbable 331 for victory, the Netherlands folded for 115 in 31.3 overs.
“Hat-trick was not on my mind but then captain (Darren Sammy) pointed out to me I was on a hat-trick and it worked out,” Roach said after becoming the first West Indian, and sixth overall, to claim a World Cup hat-trick.
After the patchy display against South Africa on Thursday, the West Indies batsmen came up with a more consistent show against the wayward Dutch bowlers with Chris Gayle (80), Devon Smith (53) and Kieron Pollard (60) helping themselves to comfortable half-centuries.
Gayle’s batting philosophy was a revelation as he allowed Smith to dominate their century partnership.
The decision to promote Pollard also paid off as the all-rounder came up with a 27-ball blitz to guide the team past the 300-mark.
Darren Bravo (30) proved why people compare him to Brian Lara, wowing the sparse crowd with a fluent 38-ball cameo but in the end, the day belonged to Roach.
