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AFTER MONTHS of preparation, the West Indies, under coach Courtney Walsh, will get their first taste of World Cup action as the regional women face hosts New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, starting at 8 p.m. today Jamaica time.
Captain Stafanie Taylor will lead several seasoned campaigners, including vice-captain Anisa Mohammed, who will be playing in her fifth World Cup, in the opening fixture against the White Ferns of New Zealand, which kick-starts what is expected to be an exciting tournament.
“We didn’t really want to play the host in the first game, but it is what it is. For us, we just have to play to the best of our ability. We see New Zealand playing pretty well, but hopefully, we can get one over on them,” said Taylor.
The teams are coming into the opening fixture with contrasting results in their final warm-up match as the West Indies went down to India while New Zealand defeated title favourites Australia.
All eight teams will be playing each other once in the tournament, meaning that getting off to a good start could be crucial. The top four sides on the table will advance to the semi-finals.
AIM GOING INTO GAME
For Taylor, playing as a unit will be key as the Maroon ladies look to upset the applecart and make it to their first final since 2013.
“For us, it’s about trying to be consistent as best as we can in the 50-over format. We know the format has not been the best for us, but we are making strides. It is more about improving every time and getting better.”
The regional side will be hoping that they won’t have to rely only on the bat of Taylor, Deandra Dottin, and Hayley Matthews too often while Mohammed will be anxious to pick up one more scalp to nab her 300th international wicket.
Apart from Mohammed, Walsh will be hoping seamers Shamillia Connell, Shakera Selman, and Chinnelle Henry can come up big and support spinners Mohammed, Fletcher, Matthews, and Ramharack.
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