PALMERSTON NORTH, New Zealand (CMC) — West Indies Under-19s coach Andre Coley says his side is confident of making a winning start against Pakistan, in the opening match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup today (yesterday, Caribbean time).

The Caribbean side, who launch their campaign at 5:30 pm ECT at Fitzherbert Park, has had a smooth build-up to the start of the tournament and Coley believes they possess the ability to go all the way to the final.

“To do so we know we have to take it step by step, match by match, day by day,” Coley said.

“We are playing against Pakistan to win and we will be playing all our matches to win. So far, we’ve looked good and we are confident going into the match. A winning start would be ideal. The key is the way we execute. We have our tactics in place and we will look to play to our strengths.”

West Indies won one of two unofficial warm up matches against Northern Districts before losing to Australia and beating Ireland in the two official warm-ups earlier this week.

Coley said all players were fully fit and available for selection and with several quality all-rounders in the side, he expected a strong line up to be selected.

Fast bowling all-rounder Jason Holder, who is expected to feature in the final XI, said all the players were excited to get onto the field and go to work.

“I’m very confident we can go on and qualify. We have the right balance in the side,” said the imposing six-footer who has already represented Barbados at first-class level.

“Once the guys are confident on the day, and if we play good cricket and stick to the basics, I think we could go through. The competition hasn’t started yet and anything can happen.”

West Indies, who will campaign in Group D, will play their second match against Bangladesh on Sunday, before facing Papua New Guinea on Tuesday with the top two teams qualifying for the second round.

SQUAD – Andre Creary (captain), Yannick Ottley (vice captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nelson Bolan, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Yannic Cariah, Akeem Dewar, Shane Dowrich, Nicholson Gordon, Trevon Griffiths, Jason Holder, Keon Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jomel Warrican.