Happy Birthday Shimron Hetmyer: A Look Some Splendid Knocks by the Caribbean Southpaw
Hetmyer was the skipper of the West Indies team which lifted the Under-19 World Cup title in 2016. The southpaw didn’t take long in getting a break in the national side and he made his international debut in April 2017. Since then, there was no looking for the batsman as he went on playing one terrific knock after another and became a force to reckon with.
Just a week after bagging 7.75 crore by Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020 player auction, Caribbean southpaw Shimron Hetmyer celebrates his 23rd birthday on Thursday. Born on December 26, 1996, the stylish southpaw is an attacking batsman who can change the course of the game in no time. The youngster played some magnificent knocks in West Indies’ recent Tour of India and got awarded with an IPL contract. With being just 23, these are still early days for the aggressive batsman in international cricket but he has certainly proved his mettle and looks all set to be the next big in West Indies cricket. IPL 2020 Player Auction: Delhi Capitals Get Shimron Hetmyer For Rs 7.75 Crore.
Hetmyer was the skipper of the West Indies team which lifted the Under-19 World Cup title in 2016. The southpaw didn’t take long in getting a break in the national side and he made his international debut in April 2017. Since then, there was no looking for the batsman as he went on playing one terrific knock after another and became a force to reckon with. So far, the dasher has played 16 Tests, 42 ODIs and 20 T20Is in which he amassed 838, 1416 and 279 runs respectively. So, as Hetmyer celebrates his 23rd birthday, let’s look at his five of the best knocks. Shimron Hetmyer Grooves to Delhi Capitals’ Official Theme Song After Bagging 7.5 Crores.
139 Against India in Chennai
West Indies were certainly not expected to put on an emphatic show when they locked horns with India in the first ODI of their 2019 Tour. Batting first, India posted 287 runs in the first innings and the pitch seemed to help the bowlers. However, Hetmyer was having other ideas who came into bat after the early fall of opener Sunil Ambris. He steadied the ship with Shai Hope and attacked the bowlers after settling his feet. He went on to score 139 off just 106 balls and guided his side to an eight-wicket triumph.
104* Against England in Barbados
Hetmyer was at his prime in the second ODI of England’s 2019 Tour of West Indies. Batting first in the match, the southpaw came into bat at number five and since then it was a one-man show. Hetmyer rained fours and sixes to bring up a colossal hundred. His effort helped West Indies post 289 runs in the first innings which proved to be too much as the visitors felt 26 runs short of the target.
125 Against Bangladesh in Guyana
Another Hetmyer special came in the second ODI of Bangladesh’s 2018 Tour of West Indies. Batting first, the top-order of the hosts got tumbled but the youngster came to the team’s rescue. He backed his natural game and smashed the likes of Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain. He, eventually, went on to make 125 off just 93 deliveries as the Windies posted 271 runs in the first innings. The Bangla Tigers tried to make fightback but lost the match by three runs.
With the ICC World T20 2020 being less than a year away, a lot will be expected from Hetmyer to come good in the gala tournament in Australia to help West Indies defend the title. By going with his recent performances, stopping will certainly not be an easy job and the batsman will look to take giant strides in international cricket.
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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 26, 2019 09:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).