Windies win a boost for 2003 World Cup

West Indies captain Carl Hooper believes his team's 16-run victory over India in the triangular series one-day final on Saturday could provide a crucial springboard for the 2003 World Cup.

The triumph gave West Indies their first trophy in a one-day tournament since they came out on top against India and Zimbabwe in Singapore in September 1999.

"It's very important for our young players in particular to know that they can play well against good sides and, on their day, actually beat them," Hooper said. "This result takes us forward.

"It's important for the young guys to have a chance to display their talents. There's some work to do before 2003 so we want to give them every chance to develop their game."

The West Indians, beaten twice by India in the group stages, hit back with the highest total of the tournament on Saturday, making 290 for six in their 50 overs after being put in to bat.

They then reduced India to 80 for five before the match drifted to its inevitable conclusion. Chasing 291 to win, India ended up with 274 for eight.

Hooper was especially pleased with the improvement in his side's batting during the middle overs of the innings, as they ran the Indian fielders ragged with sharply-taken ones and twos.

"I thought the batting won the game today. We had a meeting last night and decided that we had to be really positive," Hooper said.

"We haven't been scoring quickly enough and, after scoring 230 and losing (to India) on Wednesday, we knew we had to aim for 250-plus to be competitive," Hooper said.

Hooper praised the efforts of man of the match Corey Collymore. The fast bowler finished with 4-49 in 10 overs after picking up three wickets in a crucial opening spell as India slumped to 80 for five.

"Corey was nursing an injury this past week and resting him before the final really paid off," Hooper said.

"It was really important to get (Sachin) Tendulkar out early because he is a key man. After Corey's opening spell, it was more or less game, set and match."

West Indies now play two first-class games before the first Test of two against Zimbabwe, which begins at the Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo on July 19.

Mail Cricket Editor