Women’s T20 WC: ‘Experience will be key in crucial Ireland game’, says Afy Fletcher

Bristol, June 27 (IANS) West Indies veteran leg-spinner Afy Fletcher said the team is in a positive frame of mind and focused on executing their plans as they clash with Ireland in a crucial Women’s T20 World Cup clash on Saturday to seal a place in the semi-finals.

The Caribbean side entered the contest knowing that a victory over Ireland at the County Ground would seal their place in the last four after winning three of their first four matches. Ireland, meanwhile, are already out of semifinal contention after suffering four consecutive defeats.

“We are all in a good space at the moment. I think everybody is just getting their routine in, getting the training done, and everyone knows their preparation. We are ready for the game, prepared for what’s ahead, and we are in a positive mindset,” Fletcher said before the match.

Ireland won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to finish their campaign on a high, while West Indies backed themselves to put up a competitive total on what captain Hayley Matthews described as a slightly slow surface.

Despite the West Indies enjoying the better record against Ireland in recent meetings, Fletcher insisted past results would have little bearing on Saturday’s encounter.

“That was in the past, but we have to take things as present. We have to look at the positives that come out of it and just go ahead and execute. Whoever plays the best cricket on the day will come out victorious,” she said.

Playing in her sixth Women’s T20 World Cup, the experienced spinner said years of hard work and adapting to different coaching methods have helped her continue performing at the highest level.

“We just have to bank on experience. I’ve been working hard all these years and have worked with several coaches. Working with this new staff brings different variations and variety. They give different experiences to me, so I just work on what’s working for me, back my skills, and continue doing what I’m doing well,” Fletcher added.

–IANS

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