'What a joke': Cricket fans rage over T20 World Cup 'disgrace'
Cricket fans were left raging on Saturday when the West Indies crashed to the lowest total by a full-member nation in the history of the T20 World Cup.
The defending champions made the worst-possible start to their campaign, bowled out for a dismal 55 against England.
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The West Indies were all out in 14.2 overs, with spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali doing the bulk of the damage in Dubai.
It marked the lowest total ever by a top-tier nation at the T20 World Cup, and the West Indies' second-lowest in an international T20 of all time.
Eoin Morgan's men then knocked off the easy target in just 8.2 overs, leaving the Windies humiliated.
Only Chris Gayle (13) reached double figures in the West Indies innings, which began reasonably after they reached 2-27 midway through the fifth over.
Ali, opening the innings, took 2-17 in four overs to set the tone, figures matched by Tymal Mills, making his comeback after three years out of international cricket.
Rashid, having been kept back to avoid West Indies' upper order left-handers, then wrapped up the innings with a remarkable spell of four wickets for two runs in 14 balls.
England, keen to maximise their net-run-rate, batted in a hurry, losing four wickets with Akeal Hosein (2-24) bowling well.
But the result was never in doubt and Jos Buttler hit the winning runs to finish with 24 not out from 22 balls.
"It is as good as it gets to start a tournament like that," said Morgan.
"Full credit to our bowling unit. The guys were very disciplined, we fielded well, took all our chances and created pressure."
Cricket fans rage over West Indies 'disgrace'
Windies captain Kieron Pollard said: "We weren't good enough, being bowled out for 55 is unacceptable.
"These games sometimes you just have to bin it and move on.
"No panic will come into the camp, we have played a lot of T20 around the world, this is not the first time something like this will have happened.
"It is what it is, and we move on from here."
Fans flocked to social media to condemn the defending champions' dismal display, with many labelling their performance a "joke" and a "disgrace".
Lowest men's T20I totals by West Indies:-
45 - v ENG at Basseterre, 2019
55 - v ENG at Dubai, today
60 - v PAK at Karachi, 2018
71 - v ENG at Basseterre, 2019
All their last 3 T20Is against England feature here.#T20WorldCup— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) October 23, 2021
Will the West Indies win a single match this World Cup? This is shameful. For some, it’s time to start planning retirement parties. @KieronPollard55 @henrygayle @SHetmyer @nicholas_47 @DJBravo47 @Russell12A @Coachsim13
— Dark Knight (@DarkKni06373590) October 23, 2021
The West Indies game is a joke right. What happened there?
— Taz (@Tazeen_11) October 23, 2021
West Indies defending champions what a joke #ENGvWI #T20WorldCup2021
— Kudzai Henry (@onerie) October 23, 2021
West Indies is the most feared team because of their power Hitting but look at the disgrace.
— IG @bee_myhoneyja😌 (@vibes_shin) October 23, 2021
West Indies are an absolute disgrace. #ICCT20WorldCup
— Vin L 🇬🇧 🇧🇧 (@linviews) October 23, 2021
Shameful from the West Indies 🤦🏾♂️
— Roneil (@roneilperreira) October 23, 2021
West Indies' next match is on Tuesday against South Africa, who also lost their opening match to Australia.
England play on Wednesday against Bangladesh.
with AAP
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