NEW DELHI: Marlon Samuels played a pivotal role in West Indies' triumphant campaign at the 2012 ICC World T20, guiding them to their first global title in six years.
In the final against Sri Lanka, Samuels delivered one of the most memorable performances in T20 World Cup history.
His knock of 78 from 56 balls, which included six towering sixes and three boundaries, was the cornerstone of West Indies' innings.
Batting first at the jampacked R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, West Indies struggled early, with wickets falling cheaply, and Samuels stood firm while others faltered.
His powerful strokeplay, particularly against the dangerous Lasith Malinga, who he smashed for five sixes, turned the tide of the game.
Samuels' innings helped West Indies post a fighting total of 137/6.
In reply, Sunil Narine bagged three wickets, conceding just 9 runs in 3.4 runs to restrict Sri Lanka to 101, sealing a 36-run victory and the coveted title.
Samuels was named Player of the Match for his heroic effort in the final.
