Captain of West Indies Women Stafanie Taylor says emulating the feat of four years ago of their male counterparts remains the focus ahead of next month’s ICC Women’s World Twenty20 tournament in India.
Describing the triumph by the men in 2012 as a signature accomplishment, Taylor said the victory by the team brought pride and joy to the Caribbean, and they would like to do likewise.
“For us women, it would be great, as the men actually won a Twenty20 World Cup, and we have been so close (semi-finals) to winning it,” remarked Taylor.
“For the Caribbean, it would be fantastic, as a lot of people are behind us and know that we have the potential to go out there and do the job.”
The Jamaican all-rounder, who will be captain of the side for the first time at a global event, has, however, cautioned that the job would be difficult.
She explained that other teams like defending champions Australia and perennial title challengers England are expected to be strong, while developing teams are getting better.
She noted this was evidenced by hosts India, who in light of being a traditional lightweight in the female version of the sport, defeated the Australians recently.
“I think all the team’s are going to be tough. As such, we will not take any team for granted,” Taylor stressed.
“We are (therefore) going to have to be on our P’s and Q’s to be right up there.”
Meanwhile, as it related to preparation, Taylor said it had been good so far, with the team looking to do well on their tour of South Africa.
“In the few games that we have been in at the camp, the team really looks good,” she said.
“It’s just for us to now prepare ourselves for South Africa and then take it from there.”
The West Indians are scheduled to play three Twenty20 and three one-day internationals in South Africa.
The Women’s World Twenty20 World Cup, which will be held between March 15 and April 9, will see the West Indies at the preliminary stage contesting Group B alongside England, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.