T20 World Cup: England seek sharper show vs West Indies after Nepal scare

MUMBAI: Ten years ago at the Wankhede, England learned how unforgiving a flat deck can be. On March 16, 2016, Chris Gayle tore into them with a 48-ball 100 not out (11 sixes, five fours) as West Indies raced to 183/4 in 18.1 overs to overhaul England’s 182/6. On Wednesday, two-time champions England face fellow two-time winners West Indies at the Wankhede again in a key Group C clash, with England eager to tighten up after being taken deep by Nepal in their opener. England posted 184/7 but survived by four runs.

“Chris Gayle was the best T20 batter there’s ever been. Hopefully the result can be different (on Wednesday),” said Jos Buttler, who played in the 2016 game. West Indies coach Daren Sammy, who led them to the 2016 title, expects another run-fest. “We walked out and Chris Gayle said that they (England) are 30 runs short. So that’s the Wankhede for you. It’s a tough place to defend,” he said.



Sammy’s side arrive with momentum after beating Scotland by 35 runs in Kolkata. Shimron Hetmyer blasted 64 off 36 balls, striking six sixes, before Romario Shepherd ripped through Scotland with 5/20, including a hat-trick. West Indies will also lean on captain Shai Hope.

England, for their part, know they will need better control at the death and sharper fields if they are to avoid another close call. With two former champions on a ground built for boundaries, Wednesday’s contest could be a high-scoring thriller.


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