Barbados Pride target Red Force with detailed semi-final game plan

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Barbados Pride head coach Vasbert Drakes says the squad has thoroughly assessed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and is set for a high-stakes West Indies Championship semi-final.

The long-time regional rivals are scheduled to meet on Sunday at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, and the team that comes through will book a place in the final against defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles.

Speaking to the Nation during Tuesday’s training session, Drakes said his players have also prepared for Antigua’s conditions after contesting their first three matches of the tournament in Jamaica.

"They always present a strong challenge, so we have done our homework, and we are ready for anything they have to throw at us. We will take the lessons from Jamaica with us to Antigua for the next battle."

Drakes added that the camp’s analysis suggests a par total at Coolidge sits in the 280 to 320 range, and he stressed the venue will demand a different approach.

"We always have that winning mindset in this Barbados team, and that has not changed. Earlier in the competition we came in as underdogs, and that hasn’t changed. Trinidad have been playing some really good cricket, so we know what is ahead of us. We have solid plans, and we will play to win."

Barbados Pride made one adjustment to their 13-man squad, with fast bowler Akeem Jordan coming in for fellow pacer Jair McAllister.