Head coach Andy Moles says Team Bahamas is ready to give its all as it braces for a major challenge at the 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Regional Final, set for June 15–22 in Ontario, Canada.
"We’re going with our eyes wide open. We know it’s going to be difficult, but we’re not scared of a challenge. We respect the opposition, but we’re not intimidated. The focus now is on preparing the best way possible to give the guys an opportunity," Moles told Nassau Guardian.
The Bahamas earned their place in the regional final after a historic performance at the 2024 Sub-Regional Qualifier in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where they defied expectations by finishing third with a 6-2 record to advance beyond the sub-regional stage for the first time in national history.
Their journey continues next month as they compete against host nation Canada, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands for a single spot in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Moles said the team is embracing the challenge with enthusiasm and focus.
"We are really excited about the challenge that lies ahead of us. We were ranked fifth or sixth going into the sub-regional qualifiers, and we finished third. So now we are excited to see how the boys will perform, especially with the improvement of the opposition we are going up against, so it's going to be a huge challenge," Moles noted.
The 16-member squad heading to Canada includes the likes of Gregory Taylor, Marc Taylor, Festus Bain, and Eugene Duff, alongside Kevorn Hinds, Everette Haven, and Akash Gulati.
While the odds may not favour Team Bahamas, the lowest-ranked side in the tournament at number 51 in the ICC Men’s T20 rankings, the team remains undaunted. In comparison, Canada is ranked 19th, Bermuda 28th, and the Cayman Islands 41st.
Still, the Bahamians proved their mettle in December with a string of wins over Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Belize, Panama, and Suriname.
"It is going to be a really tough task, but it is one that we are looking forward to, and we are not scared to take up. We are just going to take it step by step," Moles declared.
Meanwhile, Taylor believes their continued preparation will be the difference-maker, as he too relishes the opportunity to possibly etch their names further in the annals of cricket history.
"I am very confident. Coach Moles has assisted us greatly in getting here, so we are now just in the process of getting prepared for the next level, and I think that we are going to do very well. We have all the skills necessary, and once we get everything together, we should be fine," Taylor said.
Team Bahamas has been engaged in regular training at the Cricket Club in recent weeks as they count down to their June 8 departure.
The Bahamas squad: Gregory Taylor, Marc Taylor, Festus Bain, Eugene Duff, Kevorn Hinds, Antonio Harris, Ashok Nair, Dwight Weakley, Everette Haven, Jevelle Gallimore, Akash Gulati, Dwight Wheatley, Julio Jamison, Johnathan Barry, Sandeep Goud, Shawn Fowler