GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – West Indies captain Rovman Powell has backed his side to manage the vast expectations from home fans and execute properly throughout the ICC Twenty20 World Cup.
West Indies take on minnows Papua New Guinea in their opening Group C match on Sunday. They will also clash with New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Uganda in a bid to reach the second round.
The Caribbean side’s form over the last year and a half has invariably led to speculation over a third title, but Powell said the key was balancing those expectations.
“I think it’s a mixture of both. It’s a challenge. When you’re playing in front of your home crowd, it can be good and bad,” the Jamaican said.
“But we’re trying to look on the positive side of things and see that the fans will come out just anticipating, hoping we’ll play good cricket to entertain them.
“And I think over the last 12 months or so, we have played some excellent cricket right across the world, which has improved our T20 rankings to being fourth in the world.
“It’s a team that has confidence; it’s a team that understands and knows how to play T20 cricket, so hopefully, during this World Cup, we can show that.”
After flopping at the last two T20 World Cups, West Indies have found a revival under Powell’s leadership. The big-hitting right-hander was appointed to replace Nicholas Pooran in February.
Since then, the two-time T20 World Cup winners have been dominant, winning four of their five series, including victories against South Africa home and away, India and reigning World champions England.
Even in their series defeat to Australia earlier this year, West Indies racked up 200-plus on every occasion.
That form has led to a healthy jump to fourth place in the rankings, an achievement Powell said was significant ahead of the World Cup.
“It’s perfect for us to be ranked number four globally,” he explained.
“When I started as captain, we were around about eight or nine, and I reflected honestly and realized that we hadn’t won enough of the series.
“When I took over as captain, that was one of my first mandates – to try our best to start winning series – and once we start winning, our rankings will improve in the ICC table.
“And then from a financial standpoint, [it would mean] more sponsors for West Indies cricket because sponsors love associating themselves with winners.
“So that’s something I’m proud to see under my captaincy – West Indies [have] improved significantly in the rankings.”
West Indies began their campaign with a side that appeared to fire on all cylinders. Opener Brandon King averaged 53 in the three-match series against South Africa, which ended last week. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took eight wickets at an average of eight, while opener Johnson Charles and Roston Chase got the fifties.
Indian Premier League stars like Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran have also been in excellent form, with Russell playing a pivotal role in helping the Kolkata Knight Riders capture the IPL title.
Powell expects the veteran all-rounder Russell to be a vital component of the West Indies playing XI.
“Regarding the team combination with Andre Russell, if Andre Russell rocks up for any international team, he would slot in within the team, so it is no surprise to see Andre automatically slot in on our team.
“He comes with a wealth of experience, and the good thing is that he comes with additional confidence on the back of good performances in the IPL.
“So we’re looking forward to Andre Russell being a significant part of our World Cup. And hopefully, he can be a three-time World Cup champion after this one.”
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