West Indies have quietly put together one of the most compelling turnarounds of this T20 World Cup. Four matches, four wins, and a place in the Super Eights secured as group toppers — a scenario few would have confidently predicted before the tournament began.
Their build-up form hardly inspired belief. In the six months preceding the World Cup, West Indies lost T20I series to South Africa, Afghanistan, New Zealand and Nepal, managing just one series victory, against Bangladesh. Questions surrounded their batting consistency, bowling discipline and overall temperament under pressure. They arrived at the tournament as unpredictable outsiders rather than genuine contenders.
Yet in the group stage, they have delivered with authority. A 35-run win over Scotland set the tone. England were beaten by 30 runs in a performance that combined control with composure. Nepal were brushed aside by nine wickets, while Italy were comfortably dispatched at Eden Gardens. The margins of victory reflect a side that has found clarity in roles, even if not always complete collective rhythm.
The batting has not consistently fired as a unit, but individual contributions have proven decisive. Sherfane Rutherford’s innings against England stood out for both timing and impact. With the ball, Gudakesh Motie has offered control through the middle overs, while the pace attack has produced moments of genuine penetration. Romario Shepherd’s five-wicket haul — including a hat-trick — against Scotland was a statement spell. Jason Holder’s four wickets versus Nepal and Shemar Joseph’s variations against England underline the attack’s versatility.
Their campaign has been geographically split — two matches in Mumbai, two in Kolkata — and the Super Eights now present a sterner examination: Zimbabwe at the Wankhede, South Africa in Ahmedabad, and tournament favourites India at Eden Gardens.
It is that final fixture, on March 1 in Kolkata, that could define their tournament. India have looked assured so far, and a potentially slow Eden Gardens surface may favour Varun Chakravarthy, whose IPL experience at the venue adds another dimension. However, if West Indies’ power-hitters successfully counter India’s spin threat, this contest could represent the first genuine stress test for the hosts.
West Indies remain unpredictable. But they are no longer fragile. The question is no longer whether they belong in the Super Eights — it is whether this resurgence has enough substance to carry them into the semi-finals.
