Several teams can be classed as favorites or at least as hot contenders going into this year’s ICC World T20 in the Caribbean and the United States. India and Australia would be notable features, and possibly even South Africa and New Zealand as possible contenders. However, what of the two-time T20 champions the West Indies?
This is an interesting question considering the recent form and the favorability of home conditions that could work in their favor. Whilst it is difficult (and ill-advised) to look past the big teams of Australia and India, the unique flavor of the West Indian side should not be discounted. So what kind of chance do the Windies have in this year’s World T20?
For the West Indies Form is (Almost) Everything
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The West Indian side is just coming off a successful T20 series win over the powerful South Africans. The 2-1 series win is a morale boost as it is a confirmation of the power and depth of the West Indian side. Say what, T20 cricket is a different ball game. Whilst the traditionally stronger Australian and Indian sides will fare better in the longer formats of the game, in T20 the West Indies come into their own.
The two-time champions, whilst not the strongest ODI unit tend to back themselves in the shortest format of the game. And it is no coincidence that they were the ones who knocked India out of the 2016 edition. Whilst the record for the West Indies since has not been stellar, this a team that blows hot and cold when it comes to field performance. The opposition simply does not know what sort of West Indies team will show on the given day.
But given how West Indies have beaten the South Africans in away games in the recent T20 tournament, and posting 220+ scores on two of those occasions, means that this team is packing some punch.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Yet to Join India’s T20 World Cup Training in New York
The Windies Might Need Another Carlos Brathwaite Moment… Or Moments
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The final over of the 2016 World T20 is one of the greatest in the shortest format of the game. The game in which the West Indies needed 19 off the last over was finished off in 4 successive balls as Carlos Brathwaite blasted 4 consecutive sixes to finish off England.
It was a dramatic finish that capped off a great tournament for the West Indies. Going into the 2024 edition with powerful teams on all sides, on squad strength alone, the team from the Caribbean appears to be outmatched. However, the West Indies seem to bring with them that X factor; one that seems to come to light in certain ICC tournaments. Like the Champions Trophy, and it could be the World T20.
But to win big tournaments you need your big players to step up. Now with the withdrawal of Jason Holder from the squad, it leaves an opening. Not in terms of talent and power though, as that is more than a good set of players featuring the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Akeal Hosein, and Andre Russell who can do the job. The question is will they deliver during those critical moments? The West Indies certainly benefited from the heroics of Carlos Brathwaite almost eight years ago. They would need some more magic of the sort to pull them through to the end.
About the Author
Damian Thar writes on a range of topics. In addition to his professional work, he writes essays on subjects like philosophy, history, and culture. He also writes and edits books and in his free time, he makes YouTube videos on topics like religion, theology, and current events. You can find his work here.
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