‘I hope to deliver success’

For six Associate and Affiliate sides, the latest step on the road to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand is about to commence in Bermuda.

It is in Bermuda that Italy, Nepal, Oman, Uganda, USA and the host will come together this weekend to compete in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 3.

For the six teams competing, the tournament offers more than the chance to lift the trophy of a global event it also offers the opportunity to advance to the ICC’s flagship global event, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

The top two sides will progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, which will be held in New Zealand in 2014 and feature 10 of the leading Associate and Affiliate teams. The top two sides from the qualifying event will then advance to the 14-team ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, where they will compete against the 10 Full Members on a global stage in Australia and New Zealand.

As the teams start to arrive in Bermuda, Stephen Outerbridge, captain of the host team, says his team is firmly focused on a top two finish. “The team recognizes the importance of finishing in the top two of WCL Division 3 if they have aspiration of playing in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup”, he said.

The 29-year-old is looking forward to the opportunity to display the great game as well as his sides skills on home soil. “As recently appointed captain of Bermuda I think this is a great opportunity for my team to showcase its talents on home soil with the support of family, friends and supporters. I am grateful for the trust that has been bestowed in me. I hope to deliver success for my team and country at this tournament.”

In 2012, Bermuda finished 13th at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier in the UAE, and, more recently, it finished second in the ICC Americas Division 1 2013. The right-hander believes his team can continue building on these results.

“I hope that everyone has learned from our previous disappointments, which should help us put together a string of positive team performances going forward.”

Regional rival USA is arriving in Bermuda on the back of its successful campaign at the ICC Americas Division 1 2013, where it won all of its matches to finish the event undefeated. USA won promotion to WCL Division 3 after finishing second in WCL Division 4 in September 2012.

USA captain Steve Massiah says his team is focused on finishing in the top two for a number of reasons. “WCL Division 3 is something that many players in US cricket have had as an ambition to participate in for some time now. It is important to win promotion to ensure that the future of cricket in our country is strong and moving forward. I will do my very best to achieve the ultimate goal of progressing to the next stage of qualification.”

The 33-year-old, who was born in Guyana, believes that his side is well prepared for the event. “Our preparation for the tournament has been thorough and the team is looking forward to improving our professionalism on and off the ground.”

Oman, which is returning to WCL Division 3 after finishing third in the event in 2011, has also arrived in Bermuda and captain Vaibhav Wategaonkar is looking forward to the event. He said: “This tournament means a lot to me, as I’m captaining the national side for the first time, and also it means a lot for the whole team.”

“It’s a big and very important opportunity for us.”