United Arab Emirates v West Indies at Napier

The West Indies are anxiously watching weather forecasts as they prepare for a pivotal Cricket World Cup match against the United Arab Emirates on Sunday.

Tropical Cyclone Pam, currently a category five superstorm, is bearing down on New Zealand's east coast, bringing gale force winds and rain, but is not expected to make landfall before Monday. The forecast for Napier on Sunday is for cloudy weather and possible showers, sending a wave of apprehension through the West Indies camp as it needs a win from the last pool match to make the quarterfinals.

"We have to play the game to give ourselves a chance, so we want sunshine," West Indies manager Richie Richardson said. "We need two points badly and we need it big."

The West Indies have four points from two wins, and lie in fifth place in Pool B, two points behind Pakistan and Ireland, who will meet in the 42nd and final match of the pool rounds in Adelaide later on Sunday. The West Indies have the best run-rate of the three teams still in contention for fourth place, and will advance with a win over UAE, at the expense of the loser of the Pakistan-Ireland match.

But they would take only a point from a washed-out match on Sunday, and that would leave them short of the quarterfinals, ensuring both Pakistan and Ireland advance.

Richardson, relying on the power of positive thinking, said "It'll be fine on Sunday." He repeated the unanimous belief of the West Indies players that, despite fluctuating form in pool play, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the knockout rounds.

"We can beat anybody in this competition, but I've said at the start of the tournament that I hope we don't peak too early," Richardson said. "We still have a sniff, but we need to back ourselves.

"We know that, given a chance, we can beat anybody. Once we get past this hurdle of UAE, then anything is possible."

The West Indies had some good news on Thursday as leading batsman Chris Gayle showed signs of recovery from a sore back. Gayle was unable to train this week, but was ready to train on Thursday before showers curtailed a net session.

Richardson said Gayle was "in good spirits" and "has no problems."

"He's like every one of us so, from time to time, he has niggles."

- AP

NAPIER, New Zealand, CMC – West Indies yesterday were keeping an anxious watch on the weather ahead of tomorrow’s crucial fixture against United Arab Emirates in the ICC Cricket World Cup, as powerful Tropical Cyclone Pam trained its sights on New Zealand’s east coast.

The category five storm is the most powerful to hit the Pacific in three decades, and is expected to bring dangerously strong winds of up to 200 kilometres per hour accompanied by torrential rain.

“Hurricane force winds of this magnitude are going to cause a lot of damage,” said David Gibson, Vanuatu Meteorological Service director.

While Cyclone Pam is not expected to make landfall before Monday, Napier – located on the east coast of North Island – could begin to feel its effects before with the forecast for tomorrow showing cloudy weather and possible showers.

The centre of the weather system may not pass over New Zealand but parts of the country, including the north-east coast of North Island, could experience severe weather, meteorological offcials said.

This news will be troubling for West Indies who need to beat UAE at McLean Park tomorrow to stand any chance of remaining in contention for a quarter-final spot in the World Cup.

They currently sit fifth in Group B on four points and a wash-out will see Pakistan and Ireland – both on six points – through to the next round. Group leaders India, the reigning World champions, and South Africa, have already booked their spots.

Team manager Sir Richie Richardson said the Windies were keeping their fingers crossed for good weather.

“We have to play the game to give ourselves a chance, so we want sunshine. We need two points badly and we need it big,” the former West Indies captain said.

Should West Indies win, they are likely to progress at the expense of the loser of the Pakistan/Ireland game which also bowls off tomorrow but at Adelaide Oval in Australia.

Sir Richie believes once West Indies reach the quarter-finals, their chances would be as good as any other team.

“We can beat anybody in this competition, but I’ve said at the start of the tournament that I hope we don’t peak too early. We still have a sniff, but we need to back ourselves,” he stressed.

“We know that, given a chance, we can beat anybody. Once we get past this hurdle of UAE, then anything is possible.”

The UAE have lost all five of their games while West Indies have won two of their five outings, including a shock four-wicket defeat to minnows Ireland in their opening game.

West Indies have also lost their last two games, to South Africa and India.