‘WE CAN’T UNDERESTIMATE ANY TEAM’
Windies face minnows Uganda in second ICC T20 World Cup match
IN A clash of contrasting cricketing cultures, the spotlight turns to the Providence Stadium in Guyana as the two-time champions West Indies host Uganda in an ICC T20 World Cup Group C encounter which is slated to bowl off at 7:30 p.m. Jamaica time.
Despite a less-than-impressive win in their opening encounter against Papua New Guinea (PNG), the West Indies are riding high on confidence having beaten South Africa on three occasions and Australia twice in five matches before the tournament began.
Player of the match against PNG,
Roston Chase, was thrust in front of the media yesterday instead of captain Rovman Powell, and the seasoned campaigner emphasised the importance of consistency, stressing the need to treat every game with equal focus and intensity with the tournament minnows such as Uganda and USA proving that they can be a handful against their more fancied rivals.
“It’s a World Cup and we can’t underestimate any team. Any team is as strong as the other team and we are coming to play them with full potential. For us, it is a case of improving our dot ball percentage, especially in the middle overs but we have to make sure that we play our best game every time,” said Chase.
The Barbadian all-rounder has been constantly reminded that his role in the team will be similar to that of Marlon Samuels who played a critical role in helping the regional side win the tournament back in 2012 and 2016.
For Chase, it is a role he relishes as his game has evolved from the longer format.
“My game is always one where I can rotate the strike in the middle overs, but my game has evolved where I have learned and practised to finish the game in the back end with the power hitting and that has helped me and has made me a better player,” Chase said.
For Uganda, their historic victory against PNG has ignited a newfound belief in their abilities. Simon Ssesazi, buoyed by their maiden win, acknowledges the magnitude of facing a cricketing powerhouse like the West Indies. Despite being labelled as underdogs, Uganda are determined to showcase their potential in the grand stage. Drawing inspiration from cricketing icons like Chris Gayle, they aim to emulate their idol and
make a statement against the host nation.
“It’s going to be historic playing a team that you always see on TV and some of our role models are here in the West Indies, our second team apart from Uganda. We may not win, but wait for the fire.”
However, Uganda face a unique challenge as they step into unfamiliar territory under the floodlights of the Providence Stadium. With limited experience playing under lights, adapting to the conditions will be crucial for their success. Yet, they approach the game with a fearless attitude, ready to embrace the challenge and leave a lasting impression on the global stage.
“Cricket is cricket, and mostly in T20 anything can happen, the person you call an underdog gives you that big bite and you feel it.” Ssesazi said.