Hope demands execution, clarity ahead of Super 8

The West Indies cricket team will launch their Super Eight campaign on Monday with a crucial clash against the Zimbabwe National cricket team at the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The encounter, scheduled for 09:30h, is expected to provide an early indication of both teams’ ambitions in the tournament’s decisive phase.
Captain Shai Hope struck a calm and purposeful tone ahead of the fixture, stressing that the Caribbean side is focused on preparation and execution rather than the identity of the opposition.

“Just in terms of the planning stages, we’ve got to plan for whoever’s in front of us,” Hope said. “If it was Namibia, if it was whoever, we’ve got to ensure that we’re doing what’s necessary to be ready for the opposition.”
Hope acknowledged that previous experience at the Wankhede could offer his side valuable insight into conditions, but he emphasised that preparation must translate into performance on match day.
“Having the experience of playing in Wankhede would give us a bit more confidence as a team to know what works more so than what doesn’t. But again, cricket is played only there. We can plan as much as we want… but the execution always matters when you go there and cross the line.”
The West Indies skipper underlined the elevated intensity that comes with World Cup cricket, noting a visible shift in the team’s mindset and energy.
“There’s a different level of enthusiasm and focus when it comes to a World Cup. This is a big tournament. This is a bigger stage. We all want to be there at the end,” he said.

Hope stressed that success will depend on collective discipline and commitment, with every player required to contribute beyond the basics.
“If you want to be the best team at the end of the tournament, then you’ve got to ensure that you’re doing the necessary things… the focus, the discipline, the clarity, the execution, the willingness to want to do the hard yards – all those things have to come together as a collective.”
Despite the stakes, Hope made it clear that the team is determined to remain grounded and take the tournament one match at a time.
“We really want it. And we’re just playing every single game day by day, not looking too far ahead, staying in the present. Whatever we need to do to try to win, that’s what we’re going to focus on every single time.”
With confidence building inside the Caribbean camp, West Indies will be eager to make a strong opening statement in Mumbai, while Zimbabwe will be equally determined to upset the script in what promises to be a compelling Super 8 encounter.