KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- Captain Darren Sammy has vowed that West Indies will rebound from a six wicket thrashing at the hands of Ireland when the two teams meet in the final game of their two-match series today.
Sammy has promised that his team will give an improved showing in keeping with their status as reigning ICC World Twenty20 Champions.
“We are definitely coming hard on Friday (today) and we, no doubt, have to put in a much better performance to show why we are world champions,” Sammy said. “We are disappointed in the result, but we are going to bounce back come Friday (today) and look to continue our preparation to what is the bigger picture, which is the World Cup.”
The West Indies made a modest 116 for eight off their allotted 20 overs with Chris Gayle top scored with 18 playing his first competitive game since picking up a hamstring injury on tour of India last November.
Ireland replied with 117 for four, securing victory with five balls to spare inspired by an unbeaten 40 from man-of-the-match Ed Joyce.
“It is very disappointing, but it is just a little bump in our preparations,” Sammy commented.
“I am not looking for excuses, but a few of our guys have been out injured (and are) now coming back into cricket.”
Ireland are preparing for next month’s play-offs where they will bid for a place in the Super 10 stage of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh from March 16 to April 6.
The final T20 starts three o clock eastern Caribbean time today.
