Nicholas Pooran dedicates ton to friend who passed away recently

Feb 23, 2014

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Nicolas Pooran’s 143 for West Indies against Australia was a sensational knock as it pulled his side out of serious trouble in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2014 quarter-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pooran chose to dedicate the knock to his friend, Christian, who recently passed away due to dengue.

Speaking to the media after the match, Pooran said, “To tell you the truth, not much was going on in my mind.  I just went out to bat. I was talking to a friend last night and I told him that I will get a hundred in this game. It was a tribute to a friend who passed away recently before coming to the tour (Under-19 World Cup). He always supported me, every time.”

Pooran is one of the promising youngsters for the West Indies and had made an impression in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) last year when he hit a fifty against an attack featuring Sunil Narine. When asked whether he has played attacking cricket of this nature before and playing Sunil Narine, Pooran said, I have done in the CPL a bit. (The)143 is my highest score and it is my biggest accomplishment. It depends on the ball. I look at the ball and not the bowler.”

Pooran wants to make the most of the opportunities that come his way and spend time in the middle. “Every time I go out to bat, I think what can I make out of this opportunity. I was just batting and just batting, and hoping that somebody would stay with me,” he said.

Despite the magnificent innings, Australia strolled home to victory. But, Pooran’s effort would be remembered for he came in when they were seven for three and then was witness to a spot when they were 70 for eight. To take them to 208 from there is nothing but a remarkable achievement.