GROS-ISLET, St. Lucia, CMC- West Indies Women head coach Vasbert Drakes has credited consistency and an all-round effort for his side’s triumph over Pakistan in the four-match One Day International series which ended here on Sunday.
The Caribbean side stormed to the top of the ICC Championship tables alongside superpowers Australia with a three-one series win over Pakistan at Beausejour Cricket Ground, in St.Lucia,
They were led by Player-of-the-Series and Captain Stafanie Taylor who smashed two unbeaten half-centuries in compiling 261 runs at an average of 130.
“Stafanie, the best player in the world, she dominated the game she leads from the front. Kyshona also Shamilia bowled really bowled fast, consistently,” said Drakes.
“It was basically a collective effort from everyone. We talk about everyone making a contribution as a group and that was the main theme. Everyone actually contributed”.
Former captain Merissa Aguilleira, relieved of the burden of captaincy prior to the series, displayed her best form in years with two half-centuries in 177 runs at an average of 59.
“I think it was the consistency in everyone,” stressed Drakes.
“If you looked at it you saw Merissa Aguilleira. She improved tremendously. She batted at number five. The captaincy being released from her probably it did her the world of good. Certainly she was a highlight in the tournament”.
Fast bowler Shamilia Connell was the pick of the Windies bowlers with three for 32 as her side defeated Pakistan by six wicket in the final match of the series.
The result meant the Windies Women won the four-match series 3-1, sweeping all three ICC Women’s Championship matches – the last three in the series – to gain the maximum six points.
It moves them level on the table with leaders Australia on 16.
“Everyone that got the opportunity really played their role. Unfortunately, upfront there with Kycia and Hayley Mathews. They look well. They look good but for short periods,” said the former West Indies player.
“So going forward we know we still have a lot of work to do. So we are just going to enjoy our success and look forward to the South African leg”.
West Indies Women will play Pakistan Women in a three-match Twenty20 series starting in Grenada tomorrow.
