Chris Gayle, 2019 World Cup Qualifiers, Zimbabwe, Jason Holder
Chris Gayle to strengthen Windies batting. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Swashbuckling opening batsman Chris Gayle has had played a massive role for Windies in the limited-overs cricket. His availability in the international circuit would certainly boost the morale of the Caribbean side.

The 26-year old Barbados-born Jason Holder expected a turnaround after the Windies struggled to improve particularly in the 50-over ford.

“It is an opportunity for us to grab some momentum heading into next year’s World Cup, get some games under our belt, just finalise some combinations, get things straightened,” Holder was quoted as saying by AFP.

Chris Gayle, 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, Zimbabwe, Jason Holder
Jason Holder is hopeful of coming good. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

The two-time World Cup champions Windies’ players are hopeful to give their best during the all-important competition. However, Holder is looking to deliver while banking on strength.

“We’ve got a well-balanced side, quality side with experience. Hopefully, we could gel together and make things happen in this tournament,” Holder was quoted as saying by AFP.

Pertinently, Windies lifted the 50-over world cup way back in 1975 and 1979, respectively.

Skipper praises the senior campaigners:

Chris Gayle, 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, Zimbabwe, Jason Holder
Marlon Samuels is also available for the qualifiers. Photo Credit: AFP.

Windies skipper Jason Holder has hailed senior players in the form of Gayle and Marlon Samuel for the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

“I must commend Chris and Marlon, who have come here with the motivation to do well for the Windies and give themselves a chance to play another World Cup,” Holder said.

The ten-team competition will kick off on March 4 between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Papua New Guinea.

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In the Ground A fixture, Windies will face off the UAE in its opener on March 6 at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare.

In the Group of Windies, Netherlands and Ireland have also made it to the list including Papua New Guinea.

Owing to the cut-off period, Windies failed to make it to the automatic selection for the 2019 World Cup.

“We know what is at stake,” Holder stated.

Chris Gayle, 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, Zimbabwe, Jason Holder
Chris Gayle was troubled by his back problem. Photo Credit: AFP.

The all-rounder in the form of Holder believes it is a great opportunity for his teammates to deliver big in the African continent, before booking the 50-over World Cup berth. And with the availability of Chris Gayle, it would strengthen the core.

The top-three teams will wrestle in the Super Six stage. Holder has subsequently set his horizon on something big in the international fold.

“As I said to the group, it may be an opportunity for guys to finish their careers well, it’s also an opportunity for guys to make a spark in their careers by playing in the World Cup,” Holder concluded.

The final will be held on March 25 which would simultaneously decide the two teams. The two finalists will make it to the ten-team list for the 50-over World Cup.

Here’s the newsfeed:

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Tahir Ibn Manzoor is the Editor-In-Chief at Cricket Addictor, who follows cricket like food and he has a great affection for the long-form journalism. He has been associated with the organisation since...