Explosive opening batsman Chris Gayle believes West Indies have a genuine chance of defending their T20 World Cup trophy but has admitted that they will face an immense challenge when the tournament kicks of March 16.
The destructive left-handed batsman was at the forefront of West Indies‘ success in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka couple of years back, and is expected to be a key member of West Indies’ current side as they look to defend their T20 crown.
Gayle has an impressive record in the tournament and was the first cricketer to score a century in the opening game of the 2007 World T20 in South Africa – a cracking 117 off just 57 deliveries.
The West Indies are heading into the tournament with five defeats in their last six international T20 games and find themselves in a tough group featuring Australia, India and Pakistan.
Gayle said it was extremely important that the West Indies utilise the three-match T20 series against England kicking off on Sunday at the Kensington Oval, to find much-needed momentum in the build up to the World T20.
“(The series) is important for both teams even though England have been playing a lot of cricket but it’s good for us to try and gain some momentum,” Gayle said.
Speaking on their chances in Bangladesh, Gayle said : “It would be nice if history could repeat itself but it’s going to be tough as the other teams are playing good cricket at this point in time, and they are actually in good form as well. It would be nice to clear the first hurdle (the group stage). That is our first target, and then we can look ahead to the Semis and the final.”
