Agencies :
West Indies batsman Chris Gayle believes West Indies have a realistic shot at defending their World Twenty20 title, but admits the regional side will face a tough challenge.
The big-hitting left-hander was a key member of the side which lifted the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka two years ago, and is expected to be at the forefront again as the side does battle in the March 16 to April 6 campaign in Bangladesh.
“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,” Gayle said on Friday at Kensington Oval.
“It is going to be good to get [out of the first round], that’s always important.
We’ll target that first and then look forward to the semis and, hopefully, the final.”
Since winning the T20 World Cup, West Indies have lost five of the 10 T20 Internationals they have played. More significantly, they have lost five of the last six within the last year.
The Windies also find themselves in a tough group alongside Australia, India and Pakistan.
Gayle said it was, therefore, important that West Indies used the three-match T20 series against England, starting Sunday at the Oval, to find precious momentum ahead of the World Twenty20.
