Nicholas Pooran apologises to fans after T20 World Cup exit: 'It is definitely hurting'

Two-time ICC T20 World Cup champions West Indies were shockingly eliminated from tournament on Friday following ir disappointing defeat to Ireland. meagre total of 146 runs set by Windies was easily chased down by Irish in just 17.3 overs. Following dismal defeat, West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran apologized to fans and explained how y were hurt after being kcked out of tournament.

Pooran comments on T20 World Cup exit

In his post-match interview, Nicholas Pooran said, "It's tough, we haven't batted well in this tournament and didn't today eir. Coming here and defending 145 was really difficult. Asking bowlers to defend total was really going to be a challenge. Congratulations to Ireland, I think y batted fantastically and bowled well."

While reflecting on his side's performance furr, Pooran ded, "King is batting wonderfully, and Joseph is stepping up with ball for us. This is a learning experience for us. We have disappointed our fans and ourselves. It's definitely hurting. I have disappointed my guys with way I performed."

Ireland kck West Indies out of World Cup

Ireland sprang biggest upset of T20 World Cup, eliminating two-time champions West Indies with a stunning nine-wicket win that also sealed ir Super 12 berth on Friday. It was ir 32-year-old veteran opener Paul Stirling who smashed an unbeaten 66 from 48 balls (6x4, 2x6) to seal chase with 15 balls to spare after legspinner Gareth Delany's career-best figures of 4-0-16-3 restricted Windies to 146 for five.

Playing ir seventh T20 World Cup, it is only second time Ireland reached second st following ir Super 8 appearance at 2009 edition in England. West Indies, who are most successful side of T20 World Cup having won titles in 2012 and 2016, thus cut a sorry figure, crashing out of group st with just one win from three matches. 

Nicholas Pooran-led side who were without likes of Shimron Hetmyer and Andre Russell lacked depth and looked out of sorts, suffering a 42-run defeat against Scotland.

(Inputs from PTI)