NEWS
Follow UsWest Indies’ Women’s T20 World Cup campaign did not get off to the greatest of starts, with the side getting absolutely obliterated by South Africa in their first game, but the Hayley Matthews-led side bounced back strongly in their second encounter on October 6 (Sunday), completing a rapid chase against Scotland, chasing 100 with more than eight overs to spare.
One of West Indies’ architects in their victory over Scotland was leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, who ran through the Scottish middle-order and picked a three-fer.
It was a crucial comeback not just for the Windies but also Fletcher on a personal level, as the 37-year-old bowled three wicketless overs for 24 runs in the clash against South Africa.
In the aftermath of the victory, Fletcher admitted that the South Africa loss ‘stung’ but insisted that the Windies spent no time frowning over the loss because ultimately they’re ‘here for business’.
“I mean, to be honest, after the first loss, it was a bit long, but from the next, from the night itself, we pick ourselves up, you know, we get together and motivate each other and pick ourselves up and say, look, we're here, not just to come on a joyride or anything, but we're here for business,” Fletcher said in the press conference after the game.
“We're here to play hard and tough cricket. So, we just gather ourselves together and get our thoughts and see how best we could bring our best games from today and go into the other games.”
With the thumping win, West Indies took their net run rate to +1.154 to go top of Group B for the time being. Fletcher revealed that the side took a conscious decision to go after the NRR so that they can have their fate in their own hands in the days to come.
“I mean, the net run rate will be crucial. You don't know how the other games will go,” Fletcher said.
“And I mean, think in cricket terms, you have to look at trying to improve your net rate, and sometimes you might come back to really assist. We have to look ahead and keep it simple and still try to maintain our net rate and see how it goes, how the games play out in the future.”
Veteran Deandra Dottin came out of retirement ahead of this World Cup and she produced some vintage hit towards the end of the clash as she walked in at No.5 and smashed 28* off 15 balls. In her stay at the crease, Dottin hammered two fours and two sixes.
Fletcher asserted that the entire group is delighted to have the ‘same old Deandra’ back.
“I mean, we're happy to see Deandra back in the arena. The fans are glad too,” the leg-spinner said.
“We're happy, and we're glad to have her, and we accept her. Same way like when she was there. So, I mean, all you have to do is just continue to rally around each other and support each other. Once you give the support, it's all good.
“Her vibes are the same old Deandra Dottin. Nothing changes. Laugh around when we have to and then when it's time for business you go back and focus and be ready.”
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