Windies have the arsenal to defend title

Hyderabad: In the short history of the T20 format, West Indies established themselves as one of the most successful teams. Having won the titles in 2012 and 2016 editions, the defending champions enter the fray as the team to beat. Led by the veteran of T20s Kieron Pollard, the Caribbean stars are out to showcase […]

Hyderabad: In the short history of the T20 format, West Indies established themselves as one of the most successful teams. Having won the titles in 2012 and 2016 editions, the defending champions enter the fray as the team to beat.

Led by the veteran of T20s Kieron Pollard, the Caribbean stars are out to showcase their flair on the field once again. The aggressive style of play is what helped them to be the most successful team. The biggest advantage for the cricketers from these islands is their experience in this format. T20 format is the bread and butter for the Windies cricketers. They are part of the most competitive leagues like Indian Premier League in India, Big Bash League in Australia, Pakistan Super League, including their own Caribbean Premier League. The players have become the masters of the shortest format.

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Pollard is one of the many veterans of the game in their team. With Universal Boss Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell, the squad has plenty of experience. The batting line-up is one of the dreaded ones in the competition. With big hitters Gayle, Lendle Simmons, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran to the likes of all-rounder Andre Russell, their batting has envious fire power.

They have also recalled veteran Ravi Rampaul who is known to take wickets in power play and middle overs. With Oshane Thomas, all-rounder Fabian Allen and Bravo, the bowling department too sports a decent look. With the wickets in the UAE and Oman set to assist slower bowlers, the services of Bravo, Allen, Chase and Rampaul and Russell, who are known to vary the pace, will become invaluable.

However, one thing that could go against them in the league is their group itself. Having placed along with the top teams like Australia, England and South Africa, Windies face a tough challenge. With only two teams set to advance, West Indies have to dish out strong performances continuously to set their sights on the third title. England and Australia have emerged as the top teams in T20 format and they are sure to test the Windies mettle.

Team:
Squad: Kieron Pollard (Captain), Nicholas Pooran (Vice Captain), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh jr
Reserves: Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein

Key Players: Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle.

Previous Performances

2016 – Champions
2014 – Semifinals
2012 – Champions
2010 – Second Round
2009 – Semifinals
2007 – First Round

Fixture:

Matches:
24 Oct – v England
26 Oct – v South Africa
29 Oct – v B2
5 Nov – v A1
6 Nov – v Australia

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