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2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup… Windies aiming to win games says Hope ahead of opener
By Clifton Ross
(Kaieteur News) – On the eve of their T20 World Cup opener, a poised West Indies skipper Shai Hope said among the items on the team’s to-do list, winning games and making their fans back home in the Caribbean proud, are among the top priorities as; they look to secure their first W against the Scottish today at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Windies skipper Shai Hope during the captain’s virtual press conference yesterday, said the Windies will be representing their people back home, who he added are usually up at all hours of the day/night watching games and showing their support for the Caribbean team.
The long-distance love from their thousands of fans across the Caribbean is enough to fuel the Windies boys, who will be playing with aim of not only bringing joy to their supporters, but also a possible third T20 World Cup chip.
The 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup promises to be one of the best tournaments world cricket has ever seen. (ICC)
Hope pointed out briefly that their aim is to win games and put on good performances and believed that T20 in a whole, will most certainly continue to evolve and believes more innovation with regard to batting strokes and bowling tactics; could continue on its evolutionary trajectory as the format continues to redefine itself.
A win in today’s game could be a good way to start their redemption tour after losing to Afghanistan and South Africa over the past few weeks.
Arguably the biggest plus is the return of their best batsman in Shimron Hetmyer, who arrived in India late on Friday following his delay due to what was explained as a minor visa issue, will have a big role to play as his late integration shouldn’t phase his current form with the bat.
Bowling options could be tricky for the Windies, given the variables, it is possible that fast-bowling all-rounders Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder and Matthew Forde who hit a fifty in the warm-ups; might likely end up in the final XI.
Left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie are almost certain to feature alongside each other given the conditions, backed by 4 important overs from the veteran Roston Chase.
Daren Sammy was West Indies captain when they last won the T20 World Cup in 2016 (Getty Images)
West Indies should also tinker with the possibility of dropping Johnson Charles for an extra bowler, which effectively frees up the lone fast-bowling option and makes room for either speedsters Jayden Seals or Shamar Joseph.
Hetmyer, Hope, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Shepherd are the engine room of the batting department and will need to fully capitalize on this opportunity to find some form ahead of their battle against England.
Scotland on the other hand, will relish their chances of playing on such a big stage after being sent a late invitation due to the fiasco involving Bangladesh.
Twenty six year-old medium-pace all-rounder Brandon McMullen, with 7 T20I fifties under his belt, will be a huge factor for the Scottish.
Alongside seasoned players like George Munsey, skipper Richie Berrington, glove-man Matt Cross and Tom Bruce will be tasked with doing majority of the heavy lifting; given the lack of experience in the bowling department.
West Indies Group C challenges vary with England being their toughest but will need the confidence and form by beating lesser ranked teams should they look to not only beat the English but emerge as the possible top team within their group.
Match bowls off from 5:30am.
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