COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) — West Indies arrived here early yesterday after nearly 20 hours of flying to contest the World Twenty20 Championship, where they have been installed as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

The squad, led by captain Darren Sammy and head coach Ottis Gibson, were met on arrival by Sri Lanka Cricket Board officials and were also greeted by several flag-waving local fans.

Sammy, who is skippering the side for the first time in a WT20, said the Windies

were geared up for the challenge ahead.

"We want to put all our resources into going out and winning. Our motto for the tournament is one goal, one people and one team,"

said Sammy.

"To win the tournament will mean a lot to us as cricketers. Cricket in our islands has been through a lot over the last few years.

"Caribbean people are [now] pulling in one direction. The people come out and support us wherever we go. We as a team always want to keep the fans at the forefront of our mind."

He added: "It is a wonderful opportunity to put a huge smile on the faces of our fans across the world for supporting us over the last few years. From speaking to everyone in the squad,

I can see that they are all motivated and see this is as a massive opportunity."

West Indies will move immediately into game mode as they will have their first training session on Wednesday at the P Sara Stadium, before turning their attention to their first

official warm-up against Sri Lanka at the Nondescripts Cricket Club.

The Caribbean side will launch their Group B campaign against Australia at the R Premadasa Stadium on September 22 and play minnows Ireland two days later at the same venue.