Power Ranking the 2019 World Cup Teams

9. West Indies

ICC World XI v West Indies - T20

The West Indies have enjoyed a small rejuvenation in test cricket over the past two years as they have won test matches (while still losing the overall series) against Pakistan (home and away), England before defeating Bangladesh earlier this month.

However, their ODI team has struggled tremendously over the past few years and this does not bode well for the World Cup. In fact, West Indies have not won a single ODI series since the 2015 World Cup (this could change Saturday evening as they go into a series decider against Bangladesh).

Even more worryingly, many of these series (including the ongoing Bangladesh one) have been at home in conditions when they should have been comfortable. Their batting lineup continues to be mediocre as they have a mix of ageing veterans and untested youngsters.

Chris Gayle may be a legend, but his only century since the 2015 World Cup was against the UAE. Both Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmeyer and Shai Hope have great potential, but it remains to be seen if they can perform at their first World Cup. The lower middle order is particularly weak, as they rely on mediocre batsmen Jason Mohammed and Rovman Powell.

Jason Holder may be the great ‘hope’ of this side, having evolved into an excellent all-rounder. However, his bowling is the type that often gets demolished in England (pace and bounce but no ability to swing the ball). Similarly, they do not have a single bowler that can take wickets at regular intervals.

Truth be told, West Indies were very close to being the 8th or even the 7th team in these rankings due to the sheer potential of Lewis, Hope and Hetmeyer. However, more balanced teams like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka just edge them.