West Indies all-rounder Roston Chase has emphasised the need to focus on the present and not rely on past results as they prepare for their crucial Super 8 clash against South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 24. The match is a potential knockout for the hosts, as a defeat would eliminate them from the semi-final race.
Chase acknowledged the importance of the upcoming game, noting that both teams have performed well in the tournament so far. South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, remains unbeaten with two wins from their Super 8 matches against the USA and England. Meanwhile, the West Indies, captained by Rovman Powell, are in a must-win situation due to their loss to England, despite their emphatic victory over the USA.
Despite having a higher net run rate (+1.814) than South Africa (+0.625), the West Indies are under pressure to secure a win to stay in contention for the semi-finals. Chase addressed the media during a pre-match press conference, stating that the team is not dwelling on their previous successes, including a 3-0 whitewash of South Africa in a T20I series back in May.
"It's always good to win an international series. Obviously, there would have been two different teams, us, and South Africa, had different players in the World Cup. So, I think it was still playing on their minds because we played some really good cricket in that series. But this is a different series now. This is the big World Cup. And obviously, they have stronger players in their setup as well. I mean, they haven't lost a match as yet in the World Cup," Chase remarked.
He emphasised the need for the West Indies to give their best effort in the upcoming match, as a loss would mean elimination from the tournament. "They will be high on confidence. But it's just for us to go there, put that series behind us, put every game that we've played so far behind us, and just focus on that one to come. Go out there and give it our all, because once you lose, you're home. So, it's just to go out there, give it your all, put all on the line, and try to play. I think once we play a decent game of cricket, a good game of cricket, like probably 90% to 85% of our ability, I think we should be victorious," Chase added.
Chase, who was named man of the match for his impressive bowling performance against the USA with a 3/19 spell, will be expected to deliver another strong performance against South Africa. The West Indies will need contributions from all their players to overcome the unbeaten Proteas and keep their semi-final hopes alive.