Not intimidated by Australia Says Stafanie Taylor

Kolkata, April 2 (Cricketnmore): West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor on Saturday said they are not at all intimidated by Australia who are looking for their fourth consecutive Women's World Twenty20 title.

"We are not intimidated at all. They have won the trophy three times. We have nothing to lose. We have to go there and be positive. We definitely want to grasp this opportunity and win the cup for the first time," Taylor said at the pre-match media conference.

The 24-year-old has been instrumental for her side’s success in the ongoing tourney. Her all-round abilities as an opener and an off-spinner has helped the West Indies in crucial times.

“We’re very much excited. This is a first final for us, there will be a lot of nerves around. We just have to try and remain calm and composed, go out there and fight for it,” she stated.

However, Taylor also lauded the Australians who have been on a roll in the tournament with their captain Meg Lanning leading from the front. They have won every World T20 since 2010.

“What I really like about the Australians is that they’re fearless in everything that they do. They keep fighting. We’re trying to instill that. It’s about just going out there and playing your natural game.”

Taylor also stated making it to the final is like a dream coming true.

“It means a lot. It’s difficult to explain in words how much it would mean. We never been to any final before. For us, to get this one would be like a dream come true,” she said.

She further went on to say that their shocking one-wicket loss to England Women in the group stages where they chased down a modest 109 was the turning point in the competition.

“There were so many close games. I think England was the turning point for us, from thereon we could turn it around,” she said.

Taylor played a masterstroke by promoting Britney Cooper at No.3 in the semi-final against New Zealand. Her maiden half-century, a 48-ball 61, propelled them to a winning total of 143/6.

“In T20s, you have to be flexible. You have only 20 overs. You have to act depending on the situation, see which batter is suitable. Last game it really helped us. We needed somebody to go and push the score. She did just that. That was a fantastic knock. Everyone would have been surprised.”

Taylor added if they win the final on Sunday they are going to dance like the way the men’s team does.

“We will definitely do another champion dance. (Darren) Bravo has told us we’re not doing enough. So tomorrow we want to do it a lot,” she said.

Agency.