In Mumbai, on February 22, when the West Indies team steps onto the Wankhede Stadium pitch on Monday for their opening match against Zimbabwe in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, they will approach the game with the same seriousness they would bring to a match against India, Australia, or any other top team.
Darren Sammy, who captained the West Indies to victories in 2012 and 2016, is hoping to guide the Caribbean team to another T20 World Cup title, this time as the head coach. Having experienced both successes and setbacks during his playing and coaching career, Sammy understands that they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents, especially when facing tougher matches against India and South Africa.
The West Indies finished at the top of their preliminary group and will be starting their Super 8 campaign against Zimbabwe, an unexpected opponent who had stunned Australia and Sri Lanka to top Group B.
This is a clash that few expected at the start of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. However, Sammy stated that they will treat the match with the same level of seriousness as a game against India or Australia, as every team that has reached this stage deserves respect.
"Who said Zimbabwe couldn't be here? Many people believe the West Indies shouldn't be here either. I think when you're in a World Cup, you have to respect every opponent. And that's what we've been doing. That's what I encourage my players to do. Respect the opposition, but believe in yourself, believe in your processes and your execution."
Sammy emphasized that they would approach the match against Zimbabwe in the same way they would approach a game against India, Australia, or any other top team. He believes that every team that has reached this stage is a worthy opponent and deserves respect.
"Yeah, he practiced well yesterday – bowled quite well, hit the ball very, very cleanly. The good thing for us is that everyone is available for selection – going into the Super 8, that's what you want. So I'm glad to know and happy to know that all my soldiers are ready to go out there," said Sammy.
When asked about their plans for Zimbabwe's tall pacer, Blessing Muzarabani, Sammy said they usually plan for every player on the opposing team. He also acknowledged that Muzarabani is a key player for Zimbabwe.
"We plan for every single player. Not only him, but he's an X factor. And like I said earlier, you've got to respect the opposition. We know the threat they bring against us, but we also know what we have to do in order for them not to be threatening against us."
The West Indies coach also highlighted that the Associate teams have performed well in the World Cup, which demonstrates that the game is growing.
"This tournament, we had 20 teams. If you watch, especially in our group, I think everybody won a game; the associate teams have really pushed the full members. So it says that the game is growing, especially in that shorter format, that one person could actually have a brilliant inning that could actually impact the game on winning or losing.
"These guys have played well. And Zimbabwe, missing out on the last World Cup, I think they’re led well. Sikandar is very confident, and he leads by example. And they got six fans in the stands that sounds like one million. So there are a lot of things that are going for them. And I could understand from that standpoint, where nobody gives you a chance, how you could use that as inspiration. So I'm really looking forward to tomorrow, two teams they've not lost and hopefully the people will entertain, but with all the entertainment, West Indies will come out victorious," he added.
Sammy said they will be focusing on their own performance instead of who they are playing.
Whether they will have an advantage in Monday's clash because of their previous experience of playing in India and especially at the Wankhede, where the red-soil pitch is expected to help the spinners more, Sammy doesn't see any advantage because of these factors.
"No, it's a cricket game. As I said earlier, I don't see an advantage. What we did against Nepal, what we did against England here, bears no bearing on the game tomorrow. It's a new opposition on a different day. We just got to come back, assess again, and decide what's required, and hopefully we deliver well. I'm pretty sure Zimbabwe will try to do the same thing. So Super 8 match, playing for your country, everything to play for, bring the excitement and the entertainment, and like I said, hopefully West Indies when that last ball is bowled is victorious," he added.
