In 2013 in India, West Indies Women had an outstanding 50-Over World Cup where they managed to reach the final, but lost to Australia. They had finished third in their group, but topped the Super Six stage.
Since then they have been unable to reach at least a semi-final.
However, with wins against the hosts New Zealand and defending champions, England, the Caribbean ladies are buoyed, and Head Coach Courtney Walsh feels they have what it takes to go the full distance.
Ranked at seven heading into this World Cup, West Indies, albeit close and nervy finishes, have toppled teams ranked at five (New Zealand) and three (England).
West Indies know they are now on a path to the semi-finals, providing they finish in the top four.
“We are competing and we believe we have a very good chance of going all the way. With those two wins behind us, we are not going to get complacent and that is one of the things I am going to get across to them that complacency can’t set in as we have won two games against teams ranked higher than us,” the Head Coach conveyed at a recent press briefing.
“One game at a time is what we are going to be looking at and focusing on, ticking the right boxes and once we do that, we give ourselves a chance. I think this team can give a good account of themselves and go all the way.”
The coach has applauded the team effort, which he called for pre-World Cup. Led by the dynamic trio Deandra Dottin, Stefanie Taylor and Hayley Matthews, other players have stepped up in support.
“The beauty about it is that everyone has chipped in so far, and it is not just the big three we always depend on. So, it is good to be winning these close games and the fighting spirit of the ladies are showing on the field has been encouraging for me.”
Their next match is against India on Thursday from 21:00h.
India, the 2017 finalists, lost to New Zealand in their second match.
