West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor said her team is ready to handle the rigours of being defending champions of the Women’s World T20 when they open their title defence against Bangladesh today (November 9) at the National Stadium, Providence from 20:00h.
Speaking at the press briefing on the eve of the match, Taylor said teams always came hard at the West Indies.
“People have West Indies as one of the teams to beat. So take away the fact that we are at a World Cup, we go anywhere, West Indies are one of the teams to beat.”
She added, “Yes, there is a bit of pressure, yes there is a bit of expectations and it is just how we managed that and I am trying to manage that within the group and think about our game and how we want to play and just go out there and play our style of cricket.’
Playing their style of cricket is just what West Indies do best and they have a plethora of talented players who can make an impact. Most recent centurion and opening batter Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin and the skipper herself are massive threats with the bat and ball.
But to fuel the heat they bring, Taylor hopes the fans can come out in their numbers and produce a festive atmosphere which motivates them to play better cricket.
Regarding the conditions, the Jamaican, who was player of the tournament at the 2016 edition, noted conditions will certainly play in their favour, but really it is about who wants the title more.
“I think it does matter, when we are playing at home, we know the conditions very well and it does give us an edge over all the teams and with saying that, everyone is here to win that trophy and everyone will play hard just like us.”
The other matches on opening day of the Women’s World T20 will see New Zealand play India from 11:00h followed by Australia and Pakistan from 16:00h.
West Indies squad: Stafanie Taylor (capt), Merissa Aguilleira, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Natasha Mclean, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph and Shakera Selman
