Fresh off two victories on the trot, West Indies are brimming with confidence ahead of their highly anticipated showdown against New Zealand on Thursday at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad. West Indies have recorded their victories against PNG and Uganda in their first two games and a victory against Black Caps will help West Indies clinch their spot in the Super 8s. Formidable New Zealand are coming off a defeat against Afghanistan in their only game so far in the tournament. 

Ahead of the high-voltage showdown, West Indies skipper Rovman Powell expressed confidence in his side’s ability to beat New Zealand, who are yet to taste a victory. Undercooked New Zealand are fighting for survival in the tournament as Rovman Powell believed his side is carrying so much possibility of trouncing Kiwis.

“Yeah, definitely, If there's a good time to play New Zealand, I think it's now. As you said, they're a little bit undercooked. The pressure is really on them, because this game decides whether they go on - yes or no. Having said that, we're not focusing on New Zealand, we're focusing on what we have to do," Powell said during the pre-match press conference.

Rovman Powell downplayed the expectations of a high-scoring match against New Zealand considering the rain threat looming large. 

"To be honest, i am not sure, especially with the rain around, that can play a part in the scores. If the groundsmen don't have sufficient time to produce good wickets, that's also a problem with the rain around. You don't get enough time to sun. Hopefully, tomorrow is a very good day in terms of the weather," Powell said.

Rovman Powell was asked about the gravity of winning the T20I World Cup at home. Powell highlighted the economic and historic importance and emphasised on the individual brilliance. 

“If we should go on and win the World Cup, it's the first team to have won a (men's) T20 World Cup at home. And also, if you look at it from a financial standpoint, the boost West Indies cricket economy and how beneficial it is for so many different islands to be getting international cricket and international cricket of such good standards," Powell stated.

“That in itself is a beneficial factor for us and also for us as players it's an opportunity for us to cement our space in West Indies cricket folklore. Winning a World Cup on home soil, not just myself as captain but all the guys I think will be remembered for such achievement,” Powell said.