Coach praises West Indies’ grit despite T20 World Cup exit

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates (CMC):

WEST INDIES head coach Shane Deitz lauded his team for their commitment and resilience even though they fell eight runs short of New Zealand’s score in the T20 World Cup semi-finals on Friday.

The West Indies had to battle through several injuries during the tournament. Star all-rounder Deandra Dottin’s bowling was restricted early on due to concerns about a side strain, and Stafanie Taylor dealt with a recurring knee issue that impacted her performance throughout.

“It’s been a pretty emotional few days for us,” said Deitz.

“After a huge win over England, emotions were high, and we had to regroup quickly. I think the girls managed that well. They are incredibly passionate about playing for the West Indies and give everything, both body and soul, every time they step onto the field. It’s hard not to be emotional after seeing that commitment.”

Deitz was full of praise for Taylor, who pushed through her injury in the semi-final.

“The medical team did a fantastic job managing her condition. Every day, she was battling pain, but her determination was remarkable. Today, she looked better than she had for weeks. It was a mind-over-matter for her, and even though she couldn’t get us over the line, she gave everything for the team. We all respect and thank her for that.”

Although the West Indies couldn’t secure a spot in the final, their strong showing at the tournament saw them top Group B and knock out England, one of the world’s most dominant teams, in the first round.

Despite entering the competition without recent high performances and starting with a heavy 10-wicket loss to South Africa, the team showcased their skills at key moments.

“Over the last 12 months, we’ve been working on a style of cricket that suits the West Indies,” said Deitz.

“We’ve been developing a way to play with our flair and confidence, something that’s been a hallmark of West Indies cricket for a long time. We don’t want to rely on other teams making mistakes. We want to dominate on our terms. We’re still in the process of building, but we’ve made significant strides. By the time the next T20 World Cup comes around in 2026, we’ll be ready to take on the world again.”