'We play the English guys so often': Rovman Powell doesn't believe defending champions England have an edge over West Indies

West Indies captain Rovman Powell is confident ahead of co-hosts' first Super 8 stage clash of T20 World Cup 2024 against defending champions England. While Powell-led West Indies side remained unbeaten in the group stage, England trumped Scotland on the basis of superior net run rate (NRR) to advance in the tournament. 
 

In their respective previous encounters, West Indies and England registered comprehensive wins. While West Indies beat Afghanistan by 104 runs, England won by 41 runs (DLS method) against Namibia. 
 

In the pre-match press conference, Powell said that both sides are familiar with each other and the co-hosts will focus on their plans against England. 
 

"I think the conditions are pretty good. It's good for batting, it's good for bowling which makes for very good cricket. When you look at the English team, they are defending champions, and, they are a very good team. So, it's for us now to just sit and find some plans and see how those plans can work against them," Powell said.
 

"We play the English guys so often, we play them actually every year, so they know a lot about us, we know a lot about them. It's just that when you're playing the game on the day, whoever gets on top has to stay on top for as long as possible," he added.

ALSO READ: Big blow to Bangladesh ahead of Super 8 clash vs Australia, in-form pacer punished by ICC for ugly spat with Nepal captain
 

England’s last T20I series against West Indies 

The last time England played West Indies in Caribbean conditions was in 2023. West Indies beat Jos Buttler-led England 3-2 in the five-T20I series. Phil Salt was the standout batter for England with two centuries. 

ALSO READ: 'If you have been no.1 for two years, you should...': Suryakumar Yadav makes a big statement ahead of Super 8 clash vs Afghanistan
 

West Indies vs England in T20 World Cups

West Indies have had an upper hand over England in T20 World Cups. They have won five out of six encounters in the marquee event. England's only win against West Indies came in T20 World Cup 2021. England bowled out West Indies for 55 and won the game by six wickets.
 

However, the most thrilling encounter between the two was played in T20 World Cup 2016 final. Marlon Samuels' unbeaten 85 and Carlos Brathwaite's four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes in the final over helped West Indies win the match. 
 

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