By Daniel Beswick in Antigua

West Indies legends and Antigua locals Sir Curtly Ambrose and Sir Viv Richards believe a buoyant crowd could push hosts West Indies over the line in their do-or-die Super Eights clash with South Africa at the T20 World Cup.

A win would guarantee the team’s progress to the semi-final, and a win of a sizable margin enough to take top spot in Group 2.

So often in the middle of the cauldron, bringing Caribbean crowds to their feet in their playing days, Ambrose and Richards feel the West Indies class of 2024 will lift to the occasion should the Antiguan fans also raise their energy levels.

Richards, sat in the ground bearing his name in the build up to the match, backed both the team and the support from his compatriots.

“This is a great opportunity for the guys to show their worth, and I honestly believe, I said so at the beginning (of the tournament), we have got the personnel in order for us to win this.

“I’m hoping the fans give them all the courage and support that is necessary in order for us to cross that line.

“I know for sure that we will be well supported.”

The West Indies did enjoy a Net Run Rate advantage thanks to their rapid-fire chase of USA’s 128 in Barbados on Friday night, though the performance was bettered by a rampaging English effort over the Americans in Barbados. Depending on the first innings score in Antigua, the West Indies would have to win by a margin of around 52 runs or more, or chase a target in 15.3 runs or faster, give or take.

Having not hosted a West Indies match at the tournament to this point, Ambrose anticipates a strong Antiguan turn out as they await their men in maroon, who are desperate to claim the trophy on June 29 in a home campaign.

“I can tell you everyone here in Antigua and Barbuda has been waiting for a long time.

“So it's going to be electric. There's going to be a lot of people here tomorrow in the evening.

“If you don't get here early, you may miss a few overs.”

For Ambrose, his home has been trend-setting for the cricket world, and the legendary fast-bowler expects another Out of This World experience come the quasi-knockout match under lights.

Between the crowd, blaring music and the steep vantage points both in the stands and the grass banks, the ground in North Sound brings something different to other locations in the region.

“Cricket in Antigua is different to anywhere else in the Caribbean.

“We're the ones who started the music at cricket, when we started first, most people didn't like it, but in a matter of a few years, everyone is now doing it.

“It’s all about entertainment (here), the music, the food, the people, the atmosphere.

“You don't want to miss it.”

Sir Curtly Ambrose walking out the T20 World Cup trophy earlier at the tournament.

As for how the West Indies can deliver on the field, Ambrose looked back on their performance against the USA for the blueprint.

Ambrose was impressed by Rovman Powell’s men who bounced back after an earlier defeat to England that threatened to derail the campaign, and hopes the team don’t move away from the same plan against a tougher opposition come Sunday.

“It was pretty exciting. It was a game that the West Indies had to win, to stay in the competition, and they did it with fine style.

“I was quite happy to see how they're progressing and hope they can build on that momentum for Sunday (against South Africa), which is going to be a big one.

“My advice to them is just go play the cricket they know they can play. Enjoy what they do. Just continue to do what they do that brought them success. Once you do those things, you’re going to be okay.

“Don't be overawed by the occasion and figure is a must win game and change the plans too much. Stick to the basics. Do what you know you can do to win, and you're going to be fine."

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