West Indies men's and women's teams made history on Sunday in Kolkata, India, as both chased record targets to win their respective versions of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World T20.

The West Indies men's team, led by Saint Lucia’s Darren Sammy, became the first ever to win multiple editions of the World T20, Sammy having led them to the 2012 title.

In Sunday’s finals, West Indies women beat Australia, losing just two wickets in a successful chase of 149 for victory. The men, meanwhile, lost six wickets in chasing 156 to beat England in a final-over thriller. Both matches came down to the final few balls, leaving millions of West Indians and West Indies fans at home and abroad on the edges of their seats.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony extended congratulations to the regional teams, and especially to Daren Sammy, the captain of the men’s team.

“What a spectacular pair of victories," Dr. Anthony said. "The West Indies team fought to the end and snatched victory just when it mattered. This is another example that leadership and team spirit are critical ingredients for success.

“Congratulations to Darren Sammy and the West Indies on its World T20 victory over England. Congratulations to West Indies women on their huge victory against Australia. Raise your flags. I am a proud Saint Lucian and a proud West Indian. You should be too!

“One thing I know about the West Indian spirit is that it can be resurrected against the odds. We were very good with the ball and just as extraordinary with the bat. Thanks to the leadership of Darren Sammy, today is a beautiful day in the Caribbean, with many records to celebrate.”

The West Indies team also included another Saint Lucian, in the person of opening batsman Johnson Charles, whose 52 against India in the semifinal helped guide West Indies into the final.