New York, Feb 23 (UNI) Two-time ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner Dwayne Bravo believes the West Indies are more than capable of causing a surprise and claiming a third title at this year’s event in June.
Bravo played a major role in helping the Caribbean side to their only two Men’s T20 World Cup titles to date in 2012 and 2016 and the former star all-rounder thinks the current West Indies side can prosper despite a recent lack of form at the last two editions of the 20-over showcase.
The West Indies managed just one victory at the 2021 T20 World Cup in Oman and the United Arab Emirates and then failed to qualify for the Super 12s stage at the most recent tournament in Australia 12 months later.
But Bravo has been buoyed by the West Indies’ recent form – they have defeated South Africa, India and England in T20I series during the last 12 months – and think they can cause a splash when they co-host this year’s event with the USA in June, an ICC report said.
“I honestly think this West Indies team is a very good chance of winning,” Bravo said in New York on Thursday as part of the celebrations to mark 100 days to go until the start of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“This current group of players is one of the better squads put together for a long time and I believe they have a very good chance,” he said.
“The people in the Caribbean will definitely go out in their numbers and support them and winning a trophy is very important,” Bravo said.
“Speaking from experience, winning the World Cup on two occasions is one of the best feelings for my entire career so hopefully this group can do it,” he said.
While West Indies great Chris Gayle has two T20I centuries to his name and is currently the leading run-scorer in the format for the Caribbean side, top-order batter Nicholas Pooran is not far behind and is expected to be pivotal to their chances of winning a third T20 World Cup this year.
Pooran is ranked 16th on the Men’s T20I Batter Rankings and Bravo believes the hard-hitting left-hander can finish among the leading run-scorers at this year’s event.
“My current favourite player at the moment is Nicholas Pooran,” Bravo revealed.
“I believe he has the ability to score big runs and the form he is in and the experience he has gained over the years he is a player that can play spin well, play fast bowling well and is very used to the Caribbean conditions,” Bravo added.
