‘We have that never-say-die attitude’ – Deandra Dottin

Opening the innings with Hayley Matthews as the Windies chased 116 to top Group A at the ICC Women’s World T20 2018, Dottin started slowly, settled in, and then smashed four sixes in her 52-ball innings.

The job wasn’t quite done, of course, but Shemaine Campbelle saw to that, hitting 45 in 42 balls to finish the game in 19.3 overs.

“We have that never-say-die attitude and going into this match and coming out of it as well,” said Dottin of her team’s performance against one of the top sides in the world, before adding about her own batting performance, “I think I was quite sensible about it. I'm more responsible and smart. I think that's what made the difference.”

The Windies are the home side at the tournament and the defending champions, and have gone about their business clinically, winning four in four and setting up a semi-final contest against the Group B runners-up, Australia.

“Well, I'm feeling very good, having the top of the group, which is what we were working hard for and we wanted to do. But at the end of the day doesn't matter who we play, we still have to get the job done,” said Dottin.

“It’s good to win close games because … to know how it feels, but the tension was, it wasn't really any tension on our side. We just had the support so the girls were pretty good.”

On the subject of support, the tournament has been well attended, and the Windies game in particular have had large, boisterous crowds, which have added to the carnival atmosphere.

“It's been really exciting. The fans have been fabulous, backing us and supporting us all the way. It was a huge thing for us having all these people backing us and playing at home,” agreed Dottin.

And the fans got to see an excellent partnership between Dottin and Campbelle for the third wicket after Matthews (1) and Stafanie Taylor (0) had fallen. The two added 68 runs together in 12-and-a-half over.

“The discussion was to build a partnership and stay there until the end. I just want to commend her on the innings she played as well. It was a crucial innings she played. And that helped the whole game as well,” Dottin pointed out.

“I think for Campbelle, she's a fighter. She's very determined. And coming into the wicket, us talking to each other a lot, that helped her as well.”

The Windies now play Australia in a repeat of the final of the 2016 edition later this week in Antigua, while England take on India.