The West Indies cricket team will look to close out a series win against Bangladesh in the final T20I today at the National Stadium, Providence from 13.30 hours.
The hosts wrapped up their final training session yesterday at the venue where captain, Nicholas Pooran gave an insight into the team’s objectives with his side holding a 1-0 series lead.
“It’s always good to have a lead in the series. Coming to Guyana we feel like we are in a good space and looking forward to tomorrow [today]. Hopefully we get good weather and close off the series.”
The wicketkeeper/batsman believes that a win today could do a world of good for the team’s confidence with two important tours set to unfold in the near future.
“It [confidence] does a lot. As a team we spoke about winning games, winning series, winning tournaments. If we can get a series win here it will be wonderful for us in terms of confidence, going to play India and New Zealand,” he stated.
From a bowling perspective, Pooran was happy to have Obed McCoy back from injury. The captain was particularly pleased to see McCoy continuing to get early breakthroughs for the side.
Pooran also mentioned leg-spinner, Hayden Walsh Jr., as one of the bowlers he is impressed with while from a batting point of view, he noted the efforts of Rovman Powell and Brandon King.
The skipper highlighted that while these guys have made individual marks, it is a collective effort and a lot of the players have put their hands up and made contributions along the way.
While West Indies would be hard pressed to change a winning side, the conditions could see local boy, Gudakesh Motie playing his second match and featuring alongside countrymen, Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd.
West Indies will need the team to string together another sterling performance to conquer Bangladesh especially their talisman, Shakib Al Hasan who became the first player to 2000 runs and 100 wickets in T20Is.
Bangladesh will be heavily dependent on Al Hasan to end their losing streak. His left-arm spin is invaluable to the team and could pose trouble early on in spin-friendly conditions at Providence. His efforts coupled with Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam could be a lot for West Indies to handle.
With the bat, Bangladesh will be looking to Litton Das and Anamul Haque to get them off to a flyer in the powerplay, leaving enough for Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain and Nurul Hasan to come in and play their natural game.
West Indies squad: Nicholas Pooran (capt), Rovman Powell (vice-capt), Shamarh Brooks, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Dominic Drakes (reserve player)
