England stand-in captain Charlie Dean knows how important her team’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match against the West Indies is at Lord’s on June 24.
Both teams have won all three of their matches so far and are full of confidence heading into this big Group 2 clash. The winner will move closer to a place in the semi-finals, while England can secure qualification with a victory and stay unbeaten in front of their home crowd.
A win would also take pressure off England before their final group-stage match against defending champions New Zealand. But a loss could leave them needing a result against the White Ferns to confirm their place in the last four.
That is why Dean wants England to make the most of this opportunity and book their semi-final spot with a win over the West Indies. “It’s really important for us to win one more game to get us through to the semi-finals,” Dean said.
“That is the job at hand and what we want to do. The West Indies are an explosive side and they are notoriously good in World Cups as well. To be able to get one up on them would prove how good a place we are in as a team.”
England come into the match after a strong all-round performance against Scotland, where they registered a comfortable 38-run victory. One challenge for both teams could be the hot weather expected in London. Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-30s, which could make conditions difficult for the players.
Dean admitted the heat will be a factor but said England are prepared for it and will not use it as an excuse. “It was quite warm batting with the helmet on. As cricket players, we play cricket in other countries where the weather is very similar.”
“It’s a bit different with it being this hot at home. But we have lots of cooling methods and make sure we fuel up. It’s about being ready to get out there. It’s an evening game so might be a bit cooler. Our standards keeping getting better and better so being able to work hard and prove we can do it in the heat is a good opportunity but it’s not something we are particularly thinking about. We know we are able to perform under those conditions.”
While England have impressed throughout the tournament, the West Indies have also been one of the standout teams. The 2016 champions remain unbeaten after victories over New Zealand, Scotland and Sri Lanka.
Their latest win came against Sri Lanka in Bristol, where they chased down a target of 99 to record a five-wicket victory. Spinner Karishma Ramharack played an important role with two wickets. The West Indies have built strong momentum and believe they can challenge for another Women’s T20 World Cup title.
“There is a small chat around the changing room, it’s 10 years later and superstitiously, there is not better place to do it than Lord’s, the home of cricket. We’re looking forward to putting on a show,” Ramharack noted.
She also praised the team’s spirit and the contributions coming from players across the squad. “It’s coming from not just Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, players are putting their hands up. We are not expecting to go down without a fight, that is really important for us as a team.
“This is a tournament that we show up in, we’ve done it previously. Three out of three, I’m sure a lot of people wouldn’t have thought we would be here today but the fact we are finding a way is really important for us. There is a bond that we are creating through winning.”
With both teams unbeaten and a semi-final place on the line, Lord’s is set to host one of the biggest matches of the group stage. England will look to continue their winning run at home, while the West Indies will aim to show once again why they are one of the strongest teams in world tournaments.
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