West Indies Women hold semi-final fate in their own hands

The West Indies Women have their destiny firmly in their own hands as they prepare to face Ireland in a crucial International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup clash in Bristol from 09:30h. Victory will guarantee the Caribbean side a coveted place in the semi-finals, while defeat would leave their hopes dependent on England overcoming New Zealand.
Despite Ireland yet to register a win at the tournament, the Caribbean outfit are taking nothing for granted. The Irish will be buoyed by their historic first-ever T20 International victory over the West Indies during the recent tri-series, proving they are capable of springing an upset.
West Indies Captain Hayley Matthews believes her side is in an enviable position heading into the decisive encounter.
“I mean, it’s all in our hands, and I think the fact that it’s all in our hands puts us in a wonderful position,” Matthews said.
She noted that had her team been offered this scenario before the tournament began, they would have accepted it without hesitation.
“I think coming into this World Cup, if you’d said to us we just have to beat Ireland in the last match and we’d have a semi-final spot, we’d have grabbed that opportunity with both hands. So, we’re in a really good place as a group.”
While pleased with her team’s position, Matthews admitted there is still room for improvement, particularly with the bat.
“I think we’re still not quite firing with the bat. I still haven’t got runs; Deandra still hasn’t got runs. Chinelle looked really good today, which is a positive, but I certainly feel like we’re in a very, very strong place right now.”
Matthews’ message to her teammates is simple: believe in themselves and continue playing fearless cricket.
“I guess the message to the team is just going to be to keep believing, keep playing some really good cricket. I think against a team like Ireland, if we are at our best or near to our best, we should be coming out on the right side of the result.”
The West Indies skipper was quick to acknowledge Ireland’s threat, highlighting the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
“We obviously know that they’ve got some dangerous players. In T20 cricket, it takes one or two players to take a game away from you. But at the same time, we’re just going to back our best brand of cricket and go into that match fearless, knowing that it’s all in our hands.”
With a place in the final four at stake, the West Indies will be eager to produce their most complete performance of the tournament and ensure they do not leave their World Cup ambitions to the fortunes of other teams.