West Indies sweat on Stafanie Taylor fitness after Bangladesh win
The West Indies will be hoping that one of their key players is passed fit for their final group fixture against England.
There was one moment of disappointment for West Indies during their crushing victory over Bangladesh on Thursday, when opening batter Stafanie Taylor was forced to retire hurt.
Taylor had played a big part in putting West Indies on course for their win, scoring 27 from 29 balls and offering a supporting role in a rapid opening stand of 52 with captain Hayley Matthews.
But the experienced 33-year-old was forced to retire hurt after ten overs of her team’s innings, and skipper Matthews said after the game that her teammate is continuing to nurse a knee problem through the tournament.
“I think she's got a knee problem, but they're trying to look after her really well. She's a fighter, and I think she knows how to manage her body pretty well.
“She's been putting up a good fight this tournament trying to stay on the park, but I think today at the water break it was just a matter of I guess realising the position we were in the game, and the fact that she could probably go off.”
So was Taylor walking off simply a precaution?
“Possibly, but it's a World Cup at the same time, and you kind of have to win every match you play," Matthews said. "And after the way we went with South Africa, we know we have to be on the park winning every game thereon in.
“She's a crucial part of our lineup, but once again she's a fighter and I don't think any of our doctors of physios would have her out here if she wasn't up for the challenge.”
West Indies go to the 🔝 of Group B after a sizzling win in Sharjah 👊
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West Indies will hope that Taylor is available for the final group fixture against England, with the Windies potentially needing a win over the team ranked second in the world in order to reach the semi-finals.
“Luckily we've got the last game of the group and more than likely we're going to have to win the game,” Matthews said.
“But it's a World Cup and if you want to be competing and winning World Cups, you're going to have to beat the best teams in the World. We're up for the challenge.”
Remaining fixtures in Group B
Bangladesh v South Africa – Saturday 12 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
England v Scotland – Sunday 13 October (14:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
England v West Indies – Tuesday 15 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium