The West Indian cricket team is on the verge of making an exit from the World cup. If anything can save them from this debacle, its victory from now on. The West Indies need to be victorious in all the remaining matches they play in the super eight, if they want a place in the semifinals.
The West Indies totally down and out after three consecutive loses see some hope in the Bangladeshi victory over South Africa. With everything at stake, Brian Lara led West Indies will see to win against South Africa on Tuesday at the brand new Grenada National Stadium. West Indies players watched the South Africans lose from their hotel rooms and have perhaps spotted weaknesses in the Proteas. The South Africans fell victim to the modest attack of medium pace and spin against the minnows Bangladesh. So, West Indies hope that if they can post a serious target, their bowling attack can apply the required pressure on South Africa.
West Indies has yet to win in the Super 8s, having lost to Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia. Not only have they lost every Super 8s game, they have given the impression of a team in disarray and their body language shows signs of fatigue. They have lost all the three games by big margins. Only, Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnesh Sarwan have shown some light for the side and the bowlers have been badly punished.
No doubt, the team is under immense pressure to win, because one loss and they will be out of the world cup. The losses have made the fans demand the sacking of captain, Brian Lara.
What West Indies need is to discuss what and where they went wrong, and plan for the improvement needed to raise the spirits of the side and apply themselves. They have some advantage in their favor against the South Africans. The team ranked number two in the ICC ranking will be without batsman Herschelle Gibbs (the only one to fire against Bangladesh) because of a calf injury. There are also doubts about the fitness of crucial all-rounder Andrew Hall.
West Indies has two points in its baggie, while South Africa four. To keep their world cup hope alive, they need to beat the Proteas at any cost. Its do or die for the Windies.
via:IHT
