HYDERABAD, India — West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has challenged his players to seize control of the Powerplay with both bat and ball as they prepare for a crucial fourth Twenty20 International against India today.
Trailing 2-1 in the five-match series following a 14-run defeat in the third T20I on Sunday, the West Indies must win at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to keep their hopes of claiming the series alive.
Speaking at yesterday’s pre-match press conference, Sammy identified the Powerplay as the decisive factor in the previous encounter, pointing to India’s explosive start as the difference between the teams.
India amassed 87 runs in the opening six overs, providing the platform for a total that proved beyond the West Indies’ reach, despite the visitors’ efforts to contain the scoring during the remainder of the innings.
“I thought the difference in the game that prevented us from going 2-1 up in the series was the Powerplay,” Sammy said. “Minus the Powerplay, we restricted India to under 10 [runs an over] in the other three phases — 7-10, 11-15, and then in the backend.
“But they did so much damage up front in the Powerplay, where they went almost 14 and a half runs an over. That kind of gave them the cushion. So even though we bowled them out, they got a total that was defendable.”
Sammy believes the West Indies have shown sufficient firepower with the bat to compete with India, but stressed that a more disciplined start with the ball is essential to avoid repeatedly having to recover from early setbacks.
“When we look at the series, our batting has matched them. We’ve definitely out-sixed them in the games, so for us it’s about controlling that Powerplay because so far, we’ve been having to pull back the game every single time,” he said.
The West Indies coach acknowledged that scoring rates must be assessed in the context of the conditions, noting that on a high-scoring surface, even a rate of 10 runs per over could represent a competitive position.
His message, however, was clear: the team must make stronger starts and apply pressure during the first six overs of both innings.
“Sometimes on a surface, if it’s a 220 wicket, then you know it’s 11 runs an over, so if you’re going at 10, it’s still good on the surface. So I think it’s an area we really have to start well, and to beat India, you really have to win both Powerplays with bat and with ball,” Sammy added.
With the series on the line, the West Indies will look to translate their batting aggression into a more complete performance, recognising that success in both Powerplays could prove decisive in their bid to level the series at 2-2.
