All-rounder Matthew Forde says the West Indies will be aiming to end the five-match One-Day International series against New Zealand on a high when the two sides meet at Kensington Oval on Tuesday.
The visitors hold an unassailable 3-1 series lead, but Forde said ICC ranking points and pride were still at stake.
“Well, you know, obviously after that loss on Sunday, the boys are down, but 3-2 sounds a lot better than 4-1.
“So, for us, it’s just about going back out there, keeping that fight. The people of Barbados are going to be coming out to watch us, so we still have to put on an entertaining show for them. It’s about playing for pride, and we would love to finish at home with a win.”
Forde made the comments on Monday during a media and fan engagement event at Courts W Plaza in Welches, St Thomas.
The event was held to highlight a new partnership between the company and Cricket West Indies. The agreement will see Courts supporting grassroots cricket, fan engagement initiatives and regional tournaments.
Courts Barbados Managing Director Dr Trisha Tannis said the company was proud of the evolving partnership.
“Last year, Courts and Cricket West Indies entered into a three-year partnership, a strategic alliance uniting two iconic symbols of Caribbean unity and identity.
“What began with a signing has grown into something that you can now see and feel,” she said.
According to Dr Tannis, the partnership is not simply about placing a logo on a jersey.
“Through this collaboration, Courts has committed to supporting grassroots cricket development, fan engagement and the regional tournaments that give young players their first taste of the big stage.
“It is about the coaches, the clubs and the children in every territory who watch our team and dare to dream.”
Cricket West Indies Events Manager Dario Barthley stressed that cricket in the region was not built in stadiums or boardrooms.
“It’s really and truly built in the communities, and that’s why it’s so important that we collaborate with sponsors such as Courts to ensure that we’re bringing that product to the wider Caribbean. Both organisations are extremely important to the region.”
During the event, Courts also presented a $3 000 cheque to members of the Wanderers Junior Programme.
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