West Indies Women take World Cup lessons from narrow Ireland T20 loss

DUBLIN, Ireland (CMC): West Indies Women head coach Shane Deitz says Monday’s narrow defeat to Ireland Women has given his squad important information ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Ireland secured a one-run victory under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system after rain affected the match. The result was Ireland Women’s first T20 International win against West Indies Women in 10 meetings.

Deitz said the outcome was disappointing, but he felt the match helped clarify the tactical adjustments West Indies Women will need when they begin their World Cup schedule against New Zealand Women on June 13.

According to Deitz, methods that work on Caribbean pitches, including bowling options and batting choices, may not carry the same effect in conditions such as those in Ireland. He said the team must use the experience now so players are better prepared to make the right decisions when pressure comes in the World Cup, where there is no second opportunity.

Assessing the performance against Ireland, Deitz said there were still encouraging signs despite the loss. He also stressed that handling pressure would be one of the major demands facing the side at the World Cup.

Deitz said West Indies Women likely finished below the score they needed with the bat, adding that the pitch had not played as well as it previously had and that the side may have been about 20 runs short. He pointed to Jannillea Glasgow, who battled through her innings, and Zaida James, who played attacking strokes and showed she could close out an innings.

He also noted that West Indies Women removed two batters early and began strongly, singling out Shawnisha Hector’s opening over as excellent. However, he said Orla Prendergast then produced a strong innings for Ireland and forced West Indies Women onto the back foot.

Deitz said some players did not respond as well as required in tense moments, and he believes that reaction under pressure against high-quality opponents will be a decisive factor for West Indies Women at the World Cup.