By Sherdon Cowan- After an impressive six-wicket win over Scotland, West Indies women will seek to build on that momentum when they take on Bangladesh in a crucial encounter that could define their campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
The Caribbean side will enter Thursday’s contest knowing that another win would keep their semi-final hopes alive, as they currently sit in third position on two points, two behind leaders South Africa and England on four points each.
The first ball is 9:00am Jamaica time.
West Indies’ victory over Scotland was a much-needed confidence boost for the team, especially after a crushing 10-wicket loss to South Africa in their opening match. The win not only lifted their spirits but also boosted their net run rate, a key factor in determining the semi-final spots should multiple teams finish level on points.
Assistant coach Ryan Austin emphasized the Hayley Matthews-led team’s readiness to handle what promises to be a tricky challenge, as Bangladesh bowlers, particularly their spinners, have proven to be formidable opponents.
“The team is pretty prepared. We obviously know that Bangladesh is basically a spin-based unit, but with our philosophies, we are more focused on what we can control. Having said that, we still have that element of power within our batting that could counter the spin as well,” Austin said in a pre-game press conference.
“If you look at the wicket, they are playing pretty slow at the moment. South Africa today (Wednesday) actually had a good total on the wicket, and if you watch how they batted, they actually used their feet a lot to the spin. So we are looking to obviously go into the game with that sort of temperament mindset with respect to their spin bowling attack as well. Sharjah has almost kind of a two-paced kind of wicket because during the day it’s very low and slow, but in the evenings it kind of changes and comes alive,” he added.
Austin exuded confidence in his team’s batting prowess, with the likes of Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, and Shemaine Campbelle expected to play pivotal roles, especially with the group being poised for a tight finish.
Though those proverbial big guns are yet to really fire, Austin believes their true potential should come to the fore in Thursday’s game, as well as the decisive fixture against England. West Indies currently have a positive net run rate of 1.154, only bettered by leaders South Africa, who have 1.527.
“If you look at how our group is set up, net run-rate is really going to be a big factor later down, especially, if we win both games against Bangladesh and England. So one of the things that we really have to look at is how we go about executing, especially in this game against Bangladesh. So our game plan is to at least probably both first and then try to get to our target as fast as possible,” Austin reasoned.
He continued: “A lot of the ladies are pretty confident. When you have Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, and Stephanie Taylor in your side, you know, it becomes pretty easy because these ladies have a lot of experience. They are already having conversations amongst themselves.
“They are already gearing up for the practice session tonight, going to be planning for that. So, you know, it’s pretty easy with these girls, and I am sure they are confident. Having said that, Hayley hasn’t scored any runs as yet, so I am pretty sure she’s hungry. So Bangladesh and England better watch out because she’s coming.”
That said, Austin also pointed to the strength of the bowling department, which shone in their last outing. The likes of Karishma Ramharack and Shamilia Connell, among others, are expected to keep Bangladesh’s batters in check.
“They are going to be key, but we also have some players like Chinelle Henry, who is also really hitting the ball really hard, and her confidence has grown from the last game after getting player the match. There’s also Aaliyah Alleyne, who can hit it as well, and Qiana Joseph is coming on well. So the other girls are really stepping up and stepping into line, which is a positive for us from a batting and bowling perspective,” Austin ended.
He continued: “A lot of the ladies are pretty confident. When you have Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, and Stephanie Taylor in your side, you know, it becomes pretty easy because these ladies have a lot of experience. They are already having conversations amongst themselves.
“They are already gearing up for the practice session tonight, going to be planning for that. So, you know, it’s pretty easy with these girls, and I am sure they are confident. Having said that, Hayley hasn’t scored any runs as yet, so I am pretty sure she’s hungry. So Bangladesh and England better watch out because she’s coming.”
That said, Austin also pointed to the strength of the bowling department, which shone in their last outing. The likes of Karishma Ramharack and Shamilia Connell, among others, are expected to keep Bangladesh’s batters in check.
“They are going to be key, but we also have some players like Chinelle Henry, who is also really hitting the ball really hard, and her confidence has grown from the last game after getting player the match. There’s also Aaliyah Alleyne, who can hit it as well, and Qiana Joseph is coming on well. So the other girls are really stepping up and stepping into line, which is a positive for us from a batting and bowling perspective,” Austin ended. (Sportsmax)
