ICC Women's World Cup: Windies captain lauds players

Mumbai, Feb 12 (IANS/CMC):

Captain Merissa Aguilleira has credited an all-round team effort by the West Indies women for their 48-run victory over New Zealand in their second Super Six, second round match in the ICC Women’s World Cup at Brabourne Stadium here.

West Indies kept their chances of qualifying for the ICC Women’s World Cup final alive with their win over New Zealand Monday and will try and cement their place against Australia in the final super six game Wednesday, reports CMC.

Aguilleira has commended her players who stepped up, including Shanel Daley and Anisa Mohammed for adding 45 valuable runs for the ninth wicket to push their side past 200 after they suffered sporadic batting slumps.

“It was pleasing to see the other players stepped up when it mattered. Anisa Mohammed deserves a special mention. While batting, she did exactly what the team needed,” said the West Indies captain.

“We had a target in mind and we achieved it. I am really pleased with the all-round effort.”

Batting first, the West Indies finished with 207 for nine in 50 overs before their bowlers put on an all-round show to dismiss New Zealand for 159.

Stafanie Taylor scored 49 valuable runs to swing the momentum back in her side’s favour after they stumbled to 75 for three, losing early wickets, including two in the first ten overs.

“It was a great match. I have to give credit to everyone in the team. They executed all areas of the game well and need to be complemented for that,” said Aguilleira.

“Once we had 200 runs, we believed we could defend it. We have a good line-up of spinners – Stephanie Taylor, Shanel Daley and Anisa Mohammed. We knew we had a good score on the board the bowlers did their job perfectly to take us home.”

West Indies’ must beat Australia Wednesday to join them in the ICC Women’s World Cup final Feb 17.

However, if the West Indies lose, then it will come down to net run rate between them and the winner of the match between New Zealand and defending champion England.