Still one game at a time

Coach implores West Indies women not to get ahead of themselves

WEST INDIES women’s head coach Courtney Walsh says he will be reiterating the need to avoid complacency, especially in light of the early-but-significant successes at the ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.

The Windies Women secured their second straight victory of the tournament following a seven-run win over the tournament’s defending champions. The regional women first posted 225 for six and then restricted England to 218 all out in 47.4 overs.

The team got good support with the bat from wicket-keeper and player of the match Shamaine Campbelle, who topscored with 66, while Jamaica’s Chedean Nation chipped in with an unbeaten 49.

The pair had put on 123 runs for the fifth wicket after Hayley Matthews had made 45 and Deandra Dottin, 31, to set the platform.

Shamillia Connell then bagged three wickets to go with two wickets from Matthews and two from Anisa Mohammed to restrict the English women.

The regional side is now second in the eight-team table on four points, and with perennial contenders India up next in a few days, Walsh is keen on keeping his unit grounded with still a lot of cricket to play.

“We believe we have a very good chance of going all the way. With those two wins behind us, we are not going to get complacent. One game at a time. This is what we will be looking to focus on,” said Walsh.

INCONSISTENCIES

Despite the wins, the first coming against hosts, New Zealand, West Indies, according to Walsh, are yet to play a perfect game.

According to the legendary fast bowler, the team still shows inconsistencies in their bowling and fielding.

Walsh was, however, pleased that some of the other batters, namely Campbelle and Nation, have begun to show their true quality, and it is for the team to continue to work hard and show the type of fight that has seen the team pull off narrow wins over two of the top teams in the tournament.

“Hopefully, we can just keep ticking the right boxes and enjoy the other games. Once we do that, we will give ourselves a chance. This team can give a good account of themselves and go all the way.”

West Indies Women will play India next at Seddon Park in Hamilton on March 12 in a day-night encounter. The first ball is at 8:00 p.m. Jamaica time.