Forde’s fighting 50 offers silver lining despite warm-up defeat

West Indies’ 23-run loss against Afghanistan in their final preparatory clash ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup yesterday was illuminated by a blistering cameo from emerging all-rounder Matthew Forde, who provided a potent reminder of the squad’s depth.

Chasing Afghanistan’s 182 for 6, the Windies innings stuttered to 159 for 7. The highlight was a stunning 52 not out from just 26 balls by Barbadian speedster Forde, who top-scored in a late-order assault that showcased his rapidly evolving power-hitting.

Speaking to CWI media officer Jerome Foster after the match, Forde revealed that his batting surge is no accident.

“For me, I’ve been working on a few things in the nets with Coach Floyd [Reifer], and that is getting to a stable base and finishing off the innings. So, seeing that come into play just before the World Cup, picking up a bit of momentum, for me that’s really good.”

Often viewed primarily as a bowler, Forde is eager to expand his repertoire. He was clear to point out that the team is packed with hitters, and he is keen to play whatever role coach Darren Sammy wants him to play.

“We have a lot of batting. It’s a power-packed batting team. So for me, any opportunity that I get, I have to take it with both hands. Before I actually came into this set-up, I was a batsman. So for me, it’s just about showing the world what I can do with a bat.”

While his batting flourished, Forde’s primary discipline had a tougher day, conceding 40 runs from his three overs without a wicket.

Yet, the 23-year-old remains bullish about the team’s prospects, emphasising that their peak performances are still to come.

“We haven’t played our best cricket as yet. We are yet to put together that all-around performance. For the team, it’s just little confidence boosters and little pointers that we take from these games. Hopefully, the momentum comes at the right time, and we can play that perfect game for a couple of games in the World Cup, and hopefully win the World Cup.”

The West Indies will bow into action in Group C in the World Cup on Saturday against Scotland.