HOPE...we've got to gel those consistent performances together as best as we can.
West Indies ODI captain Shai Hope knows all too well that winning their three-match series against Sri Lanka will be incumbent on players pulling their weight and executing with precision.
In fact, Hope highlighted the need for consistency across all departments, stressing that no one can afford to have an off day if the team is to compete at the highest level and climb back up the ICC rankings, as crucial ICC ranking points and World Cup qualification implications are at stake in this series.
The opening match of the series will take place at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Game time is 4:00am Jamaica time and 5:00am Easter Caribbean Time.
“We're looking ahead, so we got to ensure that we play good cricket and see if we can get ourselves back up the rankings. We don't necessarily have to qualify this time around, but we got to take it one step at a time because, as much as we are looking ahead, we still got to make sure we stay in the present as well,” Hope said in a pre-game press conference.
“We've got a few new members, we got some returning guys, and we've got to gel those consistent performances together as best as we can. Especially now when things are not looking too bright for us in the last couple of years. But I'm sure we've got everything in the tank that we need to become a successful team,” he added.
Despite having undeniable talent, the West Indies have struggled to string together efficient performances in the ODI format, in particular, and Hope believes this is where the team must show improvement if they are to rise in the rankings, as the Caribbean side is currently lagging at 10th in the rankings.
“We want to improve in all areas. As you can see, we're not where we want to be, but this is how it goes. Sometimes you can't win every game, but in order to be one of the top teams in the world, you got to be a lot more consistent in all three areas. So we just need to be more ruthless when it comes to our preparation and the way we go out there on the field and just find ways to win key moments in games and do it more consistently,” Hope stressed.
With Sri Lanka expected to pose a tough challenge, especially on their home turf, Hope is determined to ensure that his squad is mentally and physically prepared for what lies ahead.
“Well, whenever you come to Sri Lanka, you got to expect the ball to do a little bit, especially from a spin bowling standpoint. But yeah, we can't have too much of a predetermined mindset; we have to wait and see what the pitch is going to offer tomorrow (Sunday).
“It's important to have an idea, but at the end of the day you still got to play what you see. It's important that we understand that it can look like a dust bowl but play pretty much straight on, so we got to make sure we're very adaptable in that aspect and ensure that we're ready to play whatever they throw at us,” Hope noted.
While his squad includes the likes of vice captain Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, and young stalwarts such as 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, Hope emphasized the need for each player to focus on executing their roles with discipline.
“Everyone has to pull their weight. I'm not going to single out and say the fast bowler has to do x or y. But yes, we know the quality of bowlers that we have, and as long as the confidence is there and the planning is there, all we need to do is execute. So the rest is up to us; we've got the ball in our court, and so we've got to make sure we're playing good cricket starting with this first game on Sunday,” the Barbadian ended.
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Windies coach Shane Deitz praises team's T20 World Cup effort despite semi-final exit
Though the outcome at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup wasn’t what they wanted, West Indies head coach Shane Deitz praised his team’s commitment and resilience to push beyond circumstances and prove competitive throughout the tournament.
Deitz’s commendation came after his team fell just shy of contesting another final, as they lost their semi-final contest by eight runs short to New Zealand in Sharjah on Friday.
Despite being plagued with injuries throughout, as Stafanie Taylor fought through a recurring knee issue, all-rounder Deandra Dottin was restricted from bowling early due to concerns about a side strain, and Chinelle Henry took a hit to the face during the semi-final game, the Caribbean side showed grit and determination, much to their coach’s delight.
“It’s been a pretty emotional few days for us. After a huge win over England, emotions were high, and we had to regroup quickly. I think the girls managed that well. They are incredibly passionate about playing for the West Indies and give everything, both body and soul, every time they step onto the field. It’s hard not to be emotional after seeing that commitment,” Deitz said.
He singled out Taylor for her commitment to brave her injury in the semifinal.
“The medical team did a fantastic job managing her condition. Every day, she was battling pain, but her determination was remarkable. Today, she looked better than she had for weeks. It was a mind-over-matter for her, and even though she couldn’t get us over the line, she gave everything for the team. We all respect and thank her for that,” Deitz declared.
While they didn’t make the final, Deitz took heart from their overall showing as they topped Group B and knocked out England, one of the world’s most dominant teams, in the first round. This, after bouncing back from a crushing 10-wicket loss to South Africa in the tournament opener.
“Over the last 12 months, we’ve been working on a style of cricket that suits the West Indies. We’ve been developing a way to play with our flair and confidence, something that’s been a hallmark of West Indies cricket for a long time,” he said.
“We don’t want to rely on other teams making mistakes; we want to dominate on our terms. We’re still in the process of building, but we’ve made significant strides. By the time the next T20 World Cup comes around in 2026, we’ll be ready to take on the world again,” Deitz added.
Williams to serve as fourth umpire for Women's T20 World Cup final
Jamaican Jacqueline Williams is set to serve as the fourth umpire for what will be an historic ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final as South Africa and New Zealand hunt their first hold on the title.
In fact, neither South Africa nor New Zealand have won the Women's ODI World Cup either. However, South Africa will be playing in their second successive final after losing to Australia in the 2023 showpiece.
Williams, who has achieved some historic feats along the way in her officiating career, will work alongside Nimali Perera and Claire Polosak, who will umpire their first final. Anna Harris will act as the third umpire.
GS Lakshmi has been selected as the match referee for the final in Dubai.
Perera stood in the semi-final between Australia and South Africa earlier in the tournament, having also officiated last year’s semi-final between Australia and India.
Claire Polosak is a highly experienced umpire, with Sunday marking her 64th career women’s T20 international, and the 2024 final marks the first time she will oversee an ICC World Cup final.
Polosak was one of the on-field umpires during the 2023 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals in South Africa, as well as this year’s semi-final between West Indies and New Zealand in Sharjah.
The final will take place at Dubai International Stadium.
Officials: On-field: Nimali Perera & Claire Polosak; Third: Anna Harris; Fourth: Jacqueline Williams; Referee: GS Lakshmi
Late India collapse puts New Zealand on brink of Test victory
New Zealand are on the brink of securing a first Test win in India for 36 years, following the hosts' late collapse on day four.
The visitors' decision to take a second new ball proved crucial, and left them requiring just 107 runs for victory.
India resumed at 231-3, and Sarfaraz Khan led their charge as he notched his maiden Test century with an impressive 150 off 195 balls.
The hosts, who were bowled out for just 46 in the opening innings, were looking strong, having overturned their 356-run deficit for the lead at 400-3.
However, the tide turned when New Zealand took the new ball. After Tim Southee claimed Khan, William O'Rourke then denied Rishabh Pant (99) a century, while he also bowled KL Rahul (12) and Ravindra Jadeja (five) soon after.
Matt Henry also took three wickets, claiming Ravichandran Ashwin (15), Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj (both for a duck) as India were bowled out for 462, setting their opponents a target of just 107 when play concludes on Sunday.
Data Debrief: Ton up for Khan as Pant agonisingly misses out
The new ball was certainly the decisive factor on a day interrupted by rain delays. Indeed, India were 62-3 thereon, having previously looked on course to set their opponents a healthy target.
While Khan notched his maiden Test century, Pant was not so fortunate as he was dismissed when needing just one more run for his seventh ton.
In fact, he has now hit more 90s (seven) than centuries (six) in Test cricket.
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