“And obviously, we’ve had recent success against Ireland, but kind of everyone has got such high quality, within their team, so you just kind of got to focus on yourself, your own processes that you you turn up, and apply the way that you want to play and go out there kind of knowing that you’ve done everything that you want to do in in the way that you want to do.
Defending champions New Zealand head into the tournament carrying the expectations that come with being title holders, but captain Melie Kerr and her side are embracing the challenge rather than viewing it as added pressure.
“There’s a lot of chat around defending your title and things like that, but I think for us, that was two years ago, and a lot’s changed. We’ve got a slightly different side, a different group, but I think one thing about us having won two years ago is knowing that we can do it,” Kerr said.
“I think that gives you belief that we can win, when we are put under pressure on the bigger stage. So, yeah, hopefully for us, knowing that whether things start good or bad, we have the belief that we can win from whatever position we are in.”
Chamari Athapaththu believes her young Sri Lanka team has what it takes to make an impact at the tournament. While the side may lack experience compared to some of the more established teams, Athapaththu is confident that the group is packed with talent and capable of challenging the best.
“We are going with a young fast bowling attack. We have a good few youngsters and we bring some good batters and some of them are in good form. So, I hope they will play their best cricket this summer in England,” she said.
“Cricket is a very funny game. This T20 format is very funny, so on the particular day who will play the best cricket that team will win, so I know England is hosting this World Cup and they know this condition better than everyone. So it’s a big challenge, so I love that challenge.
Hayley Matthews was named Player of the Match in the final when the West Indies lifted their only T20 World Cup title a decade ago. Reflecting on that triumph, Matthews believes the game has evolved significantly since then, with aggressive and fearless cricket the norm today in T20s.
“I think the game has definitely grown a lot since then. But look as a group we’ve got a lot of new players in, a lot of young players in as well, and it’s going to take a fearless brand of cricket,” Matthews said.
