West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer believes the Men In Maroon are inspiring the next generation of regional cricketers with their ongoing display at the 2026 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 World Cup.

The Windies are currently undefeated in the tournament, having topped group C play before registering an emphatic 107-run win against Zimbabwe on February 23 to get their Super 8s campaign off to a bang. From 5.30 am (TT time) in Ahmedabad on February 26, the Windies will face a stern test to their five-game winning run when they play a South Africa team that has a similar streak at this year's tourney.

While the Windies hammered a mammoth 254 for six against Zimbabwe, South Africa made a statement of their own in their Super 8s opener – crushing co-hosts India by 76 runs in Ahmedabad. South Africa will feel right at home in Ahmedabad, too, as four of their five matches have been played at the venue.

Speaking to the media on the eve of the key Super 8s clash, Reifer said the Windies have planned for the Proteas like any other opponent and reckons they can get the job done once they execute to a T.

"We're not worried too much about the venues and who played there and who didn't. For us, it's about understanding what needs to be done and executing...on the day, it's about which team wants it the most and who executes their plans better under pressure. Yes, (South Africa) have a balanced team, but we have a balanced team as well."

Prior to the World Cup, the Windies carried their supporters on a bumpy journey as they lost T20 series to South Africa and Afghanistan in January, following a 3-1 series loss to New Zealand in November. At the World Cup so far, though, the Windies have hit the ground running, with several players contributing to the winning run.

Reifer commended the players for their efforts thus far and believes they are laying a sound foundation for youngsters to follow.

"Yes, I think we've inspired the next generation of cricketers," Reifer said. "Also, the people in the Caribbean are very happy with how we're playing. Obviously, we want to go forward in the tournament, and it's just for us to continue doing all the good things, tick the right boxes, and make sure we plan and execute well. We know the Caribbean is rooting for us."

Though the team lost three straight T20 series leading to the World Cup and weren't favoured by many, he said their overall goal never wavered.

"There's no point to prove for us. Like any other team, we came here to win the competition. A lot of people have us flying under the radar, but we plan every game to go in there with a positive mentality to win cricket games. 

"It's the world stage, and everybody wants to perform at the World Cup. It's important for guys to put on beautiful performances on the world stage where everyone is watching."

West Indies will close off the Super 8s when they face India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 1.