Windies can go all the way – Holder

Ahopeful West Indies captain Jason Holder told the media here that apart from qualifying for the World Cup in England next year, the Caribbean men are also keen on winning the showpiece event and adding a third title to their collection.

He believes the March 4-25 qualifiers will provide precious momentum for West Indies, the highest-ranked side in the competition and heavy favourites to pick up one of the two remaining World Cup spots.

“It is an opportunity for us to grab some momentum heading into next year’s World Cup, get some games under our belt, just finalise some combinations, get things right, and hopefully turn our cricket in terms of the ODI format.”

“I think everybody understands the importance of a World Cup. We’ve won the World Cup on two occasions and we’re trying to formulate our plans in terms of getting a third,” the all-rounder said.

“We’ve done well in T20 cricket, we’ve done well in women’s cricket and in Under-19 cricket. I think it’s about time we win another World Cup in the ODI format.”

“It is probably our weaker format. No doubt, we have not been consistent, something that we have addressed [and] hopefully going forward we should see some good performances.”

MAJOR CHALLENGE

West Indies are expected to easily dispose of the likes of UAE and PNG, but could face a major challenge from Ireland, who upset them at the last World Cup.

Holder assured that regardless of the opposition, West Indies would be taking a professional approach to the campaign.

“We see every game as a very important game. We’ve got to be professional. I don’t want to focus too much on the opposition but rather on the cricket we want to play,” he stressed.

“I think once we cover all three departments and be consistent in three departments, we’ll get the results we’re looking for. When you look at our line-up, we’ve got a well-balanced side, quality side with youth and experience.

“Hopefully, we could gel together and make things happen in this tournament.”

West Indies open their account against UAE on March 6.