Victory against Aussies ‘gives extra boost’ for ICC World T20 - Bravo

MUMBAI, India (CMC):

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has said their warm-up victory over Australia has lifted the team's confidence ahead of their opening group game of the T20 World Cup today.

West Indies defeated Australia by three wickets on Sunday in a nail-biting game in Kolkata, with one ball to spare.

The win came after the Windies had lost their first official warm-up match against hosts India.

"It (the win) has done a lot to our confidence. We had a two-week camp in Dubai. We won all our games there in Dubai. We came here and lost our first warm-up game against India, and then to win last night definitely puts us in a good place," said Bravo.

"You know Australia is one of the better teams in world cricket, so to beat them always gives you that extra boost and confidence."

Bravo was part of the Darren Sammy side which defeated Sri Lanka to win the T20 World Cup in 2012.

"The World Cup is always a great tournament to be in. I am very excited to be part of yet another World Cup. I was lucky enough to win one (World T20 in 2012). We lost in the semi-finals in the last one (World T20 in 2014)," Bravo recalled.

"For us as West Indies team, we want to take one game at a time, and want to obviously qualify from our group and take it from there."

His presence, along with T20 specialist Andre Russell and big-hitting Chris Gayle, is expected to enhance the chances of West Indies, already considered a favourite next to host India.

"I focus on my bowling a lot because most teams that I play for in T20 cricket rely on my bowling," said Bravo, after launching a video, 'Champion', by Vega Entertainment and Venus Entertainment.

"Yes, my batting is important, but they (the teams) rely on my bowling in tough times and in death overs. Variation is key for my success as a bowler."

West Indies play England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai today.