World T20: Windies Women Not Intimidated by Australia, Says Skipper Stafanie Taylor

In the midst of their dream run, the West Indies skipper Stafanie Taylor on Saturday said they are not intimidated by Australia, who will be looking for an unprecedented fourth successive title in the ICC World Women's Twenty20 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. (Australia Women Counter Windies Might in Way of Fourth Title)

"We are not intimidated at all. They have won three times. We have nothing to lose. We go there and be positive. We definitely want to grasp this and win the cup for the first time. Australia have won it three times and if things go their way it will be there fourth. I don't think we are intimidated. We are just trying to be relaxed," Stafanie said on the eve of their summit clash. (Britney Cooper Fires West Indies Eves to First World T20 Final)

A hard-hitting opener who doubles up as an off-spinner, Stafanie has played a key role in their road to the final but the young 24-year-old captain said it's about keeping their heads down.

"We're very much excited. This is a first final for us, there will be a lot of nerves around. We just have to embrace it, try to be calm and composed, go out there and fight for it."

She also praised the defending champions Australia who have not looked back since winning their maiden title in 2010.

"What I really like about the Aussies that they're fearless in everything that they do. They keep fighting. We're trying to instill that. Even from before we actually like the way they go upon their game. It's about just going out there and play your natural game," said Stafanie.

With both the Windies women's and men's teams having made the finals of the World Twenty20, she said it's a dream come true for the troubled Caribbean.

"It would mean a lot. Ever since we've been talking about it. We're just hanging it out with the guys. It's been so good, talking, talking and talking. It's difficult to explain in words how much it would mean. We never been to any final before. For us, to get this one would be like a dream come true," added the skipper.

She further said their shocking one-wicket loss to England, who chased down a modest 109 in a nailbiting chase, was the turning point.

"There were so many close games. England was the turning point for us, from thereon we could turn it around," she said pointing out their three-run win over India that sealed their semi-final ticket.

Stafanie did a masterstroke by promoting Britney Cooper to No.3 as her maiden half-century, a 48-ball 61, propelled them to a winning 143/6 against New Zealand in the Mumbai semi-final.

"In T20s, you have to be flexible. You have only 20 overs. You have to act depending on the situation, see which batter is suitable. Last game it really helped us. We needed somebody to go and push. She did just that. That was a fantastic knock. Everyone would have been surprised."

The Windies men's team is known for their celebration. Stafanie concluded they would join Darren Sammy and Co. should they complete the rare double. "We will definitely do another champion dance. Bravo has told us we're not doing enough. So tomorrow if we do it we will do it lots."