West Indies square off against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup on Wednesday night knowing that they can put the Kiwis on the brink of elimination.
The tournament hosts would establish an insurmountable lead over their opponents in Group C if they can prevail at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago.
Although West Indies were provided with a favourable group in comparison to some of the others, there was an acceptance that they might need some things to go their way to qualify for the final eight.
That slice of good fortune has already materialised with Afghanistan thrashing New Zealand, the Black Caps’ net-run-rate taking a battering in the process.
New Zealand still have three matches left to play and prevailing in each of them would keep them in the hunt for qualification, yet West Indies are in a position where they can guarantee that they finish above them in the table.
Daren Sammy’s side were given the best start possible with fixtures against Papua New Guinea and Uganda, and they have taken full advantage, particularly last time out.
Having racked up 173-5 from their 20 overs, West Indies dismissed the minnows for just 39, currently giving them a superior net-run-rate of 7.774 compared to New Zealand.
From New Zealand’s perspective, they still have that double-header with the rank outsiders to come, the assumption being that they will deliver four points like West Indies.
Nevertheless, defeat here would result in Gary Stead’s men reaching two matches to go with little chance of qualification. That scenario would only change if Papua New Guinea upset Afghanistan
