Former West Indies skipper Richie Richardson believes his side can go all the way in the current Champions Trophy being played in India.

Richardson, who played in 86 Test matches between 1983 and 1995, says on the team’s current form there’s no reason why West Indies can’t successfully defend their crown.

“That was a great result,” said Richardson, speaking from his native Antigua yesterday after the West Indies had snatched a dramatic victory over India to seal their place in the semi-finals.

“We have got two wins and I’m very pleased about that,” said Richardson.

“Having already beaten Australia they should be really confident. And hopefully today’s win against India will take that confidence to a level where they can go forward and win this tournament — and also as many matches as possible leading up to the World Cup.”

West Indies sealed their place in the semi-finals in Ahmedabad, making what should have been a casual stroll in the park a much more difficult task at the death.

They ultimately won by three wickets after surviving a late collapse which saw them lose three wickets in the space of eight deliveries.

However, number seven bat Marlon Samuels (five not out) and tailender Carlton Baugh jr (one) steadied the ship and propelled the West Indies to a second straight semi-final appearance (see match report, Page 24).

Samuels dispatched a short delivery from Ajit Agarkar to the third man boundary to seal the victory with two balls remaining.

West Indies’ win saw them join New Zealand in the competition’s semis, with the remaining spots yet to be decided between hosts India, South Africa, Pakistan and world champions Australia.

Richardson continued: “I honestly believe this team can go all of the way because the guys now have the confidence to play well enough and get positive results.”

Bermuda national cricket coach Gus Logie — who coached the West Indies to the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy title in England in 2004 — is also confident his side can retain their crown on the sub continent.

“I think that Brian (Lara) has been saying all along the team is capable of defending their title and the players have responded very well,” Logie said.

“They are the champions and so obviously they will give it everything they have got. And if they can continue playing the way they have been, then I think it will take a pretty big effort to dethrone them.”

Logie, who represented the Windies in 52 Test matches, achieved a maiden Test century (130) against India in his native Trinidad and Tobago during his debut Test series in 1982.

“At this point in time it’s good to see the team in the semi-finals, and I’m looking forward to the semi-finals and hopefully the final just as everybody else,” Logie added.

“It’s great work by the guys who all must be congratulated from captain and coach to management. And I wish them all of the best.

“This victory has given West Indies cricket a great lift, something people have been looking for for a long time — looking to see the West Indies team become very consistent.

“West Indies cricketers have always had the talent . . . but it’s just been a matter of putting a few victories together consistently. And not only at the one day level but also the Test level.

“This win will certainly build the confidence of everyone involved with West Indies cricket.”

[bul] Bermuda Masters had their match with Canada at the Antigua Independence Cricket Festival washed out yesterday.

Event organisers are now hoping to complete the final six group matches today at two separate locations, and plan to stage the semi-finals and finals tomorrow.

Bermuda defeated New Jersey Masters by seven wickets on Tuesday after Sunday’s opening match against England Masters was also washed out.

Weather permitting, Bermuda will face off today against Canada and England in the hope of advancing to tomorrow’s semi final.