GROS ISLET, St. Lucia -- HAVING already qualified for the Super 8 stage of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, co-host West Indies are aiming to maintain their winning streak and build momentum for the second round of the tournament.
Although they have secured their place in the Super 8, the team will face Afghanistan Monday (Jun. 17) night at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St. Lucia. Maintaining a winning formula is seen as crucial for the team’s ambitions to win the trophy.
Captain Rovman Powell emphasized the importance of momentum during a media engagement on Sunday (Jun. 16), stressing that nothing should be taken for granted despite their qualification.
“Yeah, momentum is a very important word for us,” he told reporters. “ It's important for us to keep playing good cricket and consistent cricket. After this game, the Super 8 is very, very important so you want players going into the Super 8 with good performances, you want to go in the Super 8 as a team winning.”
West Indies have been unbeaten in the tournament so far, with victories over Papua New Guinea, Uganda, and New Zealand. However, the batting lineup struggled against PNG and New Zealand, winning thanks to critical contributions from the bowlers.
“So that's definitely something that we're taking seriously and not taking nothing for granted even though we have qualified for the Super 8 already. It's an opportunity for us to also put on a display for the St. Lucian's that will come out tomorrow to watch us play World Cup cricket,” noted Powell.
The conditions in St. Lucia may favor the West Indies’ flamboyant style of cricket more than the slower pitches in Trinidad and Guyana.
“When we look[ed] on the schedule all the batters were excited to come to St. Lucia," Powell said. "...if you are a bowler, or if you are a batter, you definitely can get something out of the St. Lucia wicket."
Looking ahead to the Afghanistan clash, Powell acknowledged the Asian side’s style and success, emphasizing that the West Indies must play proper cricket to be successful.
“Obviously, it's a top of the table clash. Afghanistan have been playing good T20 cricket and consistent T20 cricket. They have a lot of match winners. So, it's something that we have to come with our best game,” noted Powell.
Though it is a top-of-the-table clash, the game does not affect qualification, as both teams have already secured their spots in the Super 8 round.
“So, it's an opportunity for us to play against another world class side. Very good practice going into the Super 8 games,” added Powell.
West Indies are likely to face many overs of spin in the upcoming match.
