Windies Women face big task against England

SYDNEY, Australia (CMC):

Nervous West Indies face a giant hurdle in their quest to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup for the sixth straight time when they clash with powerhouses England here today (3 a.m. Ja time).

With just two points from their opening games against Thailand and Pakistan, West Indies now face must-win scenarios against England and South Africa next Tuesday, if they are to guarantee themselves a place in the final four.

Labelling both games as “do-or-die”, head coach Gus Logie said now was the time for the 2016 champions to step up and prove their worth, especially with pressure on them to win.

“It’s do-or-die. The players know that if you win you can go through, but lose and you go home,” Logie said ahead of the encounter at Sydney Showground Stadium.

“The onus is upon everyone to dig deeper and produce the performances which they know they can.

“They have done well against England and South Africa in past World Cups, they know they can beat them.”

West Indies opened their campaign with an unconvincing seven-wicket win over minnows Thailand in Perth a week ago but then suffered a surprise eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Pakistan on Wednesday in Canberra.

POOR FORM

West Indies have been hampered by the poor form of some of their leading players. Marquee opener Hayley Matthews has struggled with 16 runs in two innings, stroke-maker Deandra Dottin has notched scores of two and one, while experienced speedster Shamilia Connell and veteran off-spinner Anisa Mohammed have lacked effectiveness.

Their batting, however, has been the most worrying. Against Pakistan, West Indies could only muster a modest 124 in a lacklustre effort.

Their highest total in nine previous T20 Internationals entering the current tournament was 138 for nine against England in Northampton, chasing 181 for victory.