Not many players get an opportunity to play in the Cricket World Cups – so winning the International Cricket Council T20 World Cup is a memory to cherish for a lifetime. This is according to the Guyanese members of the victorious West Indies Women’s team that captured their maiden world title in India, Shemaine Campbell and Tremayne Smartt.
Both players who hail from the Ancient County of Berbice expressed delight at winning the title. West Indies defeated three-time winners Australia by eight wickets in the final at Eden Gardens.
Campbell expressed that winning the coveted global showpiece cannot be explained. “We were knocked out from the semi-finals a few times, so crossing that hurdle and winning the competition is very good for us,” she added.
The pint-sized Campbell pointed out that their preparation was good. “We worked very hard and our series in South Africa leading up to the World Cup worked in our favour, we played as a unit which was very instrumental,” Campbell informed.
The all-rounder was happy with the support from the Indian fans and said she was confident they could have gone all the way. “The support we got in India was tremendous and I do look forward to playing there again,” she posited, adding women have a lot to offer in the game.
Her humble advice to the younger players is to take the game seriously and remain committed.
Medium pacer Smartt, who is also a Coach, said she is excited to be in the winning side and hopes the victory motivates other players in the region. “Cricket means a lot the Caribbean people and I am very happy to be able bring joy to them,” she lamented.
Smartt knows how important it is to play as a unit and said it is one of the main reasons for their success. “We play together and managed to execute game plans well while sticking to the basics, these factors contributed tremendously to our success.”
She too pointed out the importance of fan support: “There were some West Indian fans there which was good, but I admire the support we got from the Indian fans. They really like the West Indian players and it was encouraging to see another country supporting us.”
“The male team supported us well, and we did that as well so being a part of that team and moment is a memory to cherish a lifetime.”
Also a useful batter, Smartt informed that she was always confident they could have won the title. “We play hard cricket and believe in ourselves and this is something we always wanted to achieve.”
Dwayne Bravo’s hit song, CHAMPION, motivated the team the Guyanese duo shared. These World Cup winning players are now looking forward the regional season and the series against England.