Holder lauded by CWI for making World Cup Team of the Tournament

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has congratulated Barbadian all-rounder Jason Holder for his impressive performance at the recently concluded ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which saw him being named in the Team of the Tournament.

The 34-year-old, a member of the West Indies' 2016 title winning group, was rewarded for his outstanding contributions with both bat and ball, that saw him being the only player from the regional side to make the team.

Holder delivered a superb all-round campaign, claiming 10 wickets while contributing 141 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 174.07 and an average of 35.25.

One of his defining moments came with a powerful 33 from 17 balls, an innings that propelled West Indies to a competitive 196 for six against England in the group stage. Those runs proved decisive as the Caribbean side defended the total to secure a 30-run victory.

The former West Indies captain also etched his name in the tournament's record books, sharing in a world-record eighth-wicket partnership of 89 runs with Romario Shepherd against South Africa in the Super Eights in Ahmedabad.

Holder's 49 from 31 balls helped rescue the innings after the West Indies had slipped to 83 for 7.

He also produced another late flourish against eventual champions India, striking 37 from 22 balls to lift West Indies to a competitive 195 for four in their encounter.

Reflecting on the honour, Holder expressed pride in the recognition.

"This is a proud moment and achievement in what was really my first full T20 World Cup, as surprising as it may sound.

"I just felt like everything for me was in alignment. My game is in a good place, I kept things simple, lived in the moment and contributed whenever the team needed me," Holder said.

CWI's Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, praised Holder's impact and professionalism over the course of the tournament.