If there’s a good time to play New Zealand, it’s now: Rovman Powell

Before their pivotal encounter at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 against New Zealand, the West Indies cricket squad is full of optimism. Captain Rovman Powell thinks it’s the ideal time to play the Kiwis after back-to-back wins over Uganda and Papua New Guinea. Afghanistan won the first game of the competition, and Kane Williamson and company are now bottom of their group.

Powell was blunt in his assessment of the Black Caps’ current situation. The outcome of the next game will determine the opposition’s fate in the tournament, therefore he believes they are under tremendous pressure.

“I believe that now would be a fantastic moment to play in New Zealand. As you pointed out, they’re a little undercooked, so the pressure is really on them because this game will determine whether they advance or not. That being said, Powell stated at the pre-match press conference, as cited by Crizbuzz, “We’re not focusing on New Zealand; we’re focusing on what we have to do. Once you do what we have to do, that will take care of itself.”

West Indies have performed admirably in Twenty20 cricket: Rovman Powell

The bigger objective for the West Indies is to win a third T20 World Cup. The opportunity to accomplish so on home ground would be even more exceptional.

“In my opinion, there are a lot of advantages to West Indies cricket playing a World Cup at home. The squad is the first to win a T20 World Cup at home, if we go on to win the competition, Powell continued.

According to the West Indian captain, hosting and winning such a major event will bring in a huge amount of money for the nation. He thinks the funds may be applied to improving domestic cricket on the various islands.

Looking at it from a financial perspective, you can also see how beneficial it is for so many different islands to be able to enjoy international cricket, and how much of a boost the West Indies cricket industry will receive. That is an advantage for us and for us as players in and of itself; it’s a chance to solidify our place in West Indies cricket legend. “I think all the guys will be remembered for such an accomplishment, not just myself as captain, but winning a World Cup on home soil,” he continued.

Powell is still confident that his team will win despite the fact that their next two games are crucial and against tough opponents in Afghanistan and New Zealand.

“I believe that the West Indies have played excellent Twenty20 cricket over the past year, specifically the last 12 to 14 months. Thus, despite the World Cup, it’s simply us continuing to do that. We hope to demonstrate the hard work that the men have put in leading up to this World Cup. Afghanistan and New Zealand are two more traditional countries, but as long as we keep our eyes on ourselves, I think we’ll be alright,” Powell said.