An angry version of the Gangnam Style dance, bats being thrown up as high as the spider-cam on the field and celebratory chest-thumps that could have probably gone on to break a rib or two, the party-men from the Caribbean have, yet again, won the hearts of majority of the neutral supporters in town.
Their free-flowing style, combined with their never-say-die attitude, says a lot about why they are often termed as the ambassadors of the T20 format; that majority of the country is vouching for a Caribbean classic despite the presence of two sub-continental teams in the semis speaks for itself.
According to their captain, Darren Sammy, the unique zeal from his side has been the key factor that has held the team together.
"I think it's the most important thing. For us it's even more difficult because we got so many guys coming in with different cultures, countries. We stress a lot on unity and gelling. You know no matter what the situation is you will come through for the team, that itself is motivation," said Sammy.
"When you see your teammates rallying round you and then when you win a game that you're not supposed to win and see them running towards you, that in itself is motivation for you to continue to do that. Even when everything seems gloom we have the belief that the players in the middle can do well," he added.
West Indies' journey to the semis has not been without its share of troubles. After a thumping loss to India, they won two thrillers against Pakistan and Australia -- and on both occasions it was Sammy's thunderous hitting that bailed the West Indies out. His 34 off 13 against the Aussies stole a win while the 42 off 20 broke Pakistani hearts. When asked to explain the secret behind those clean hits, Sammy kept it simple.
"I just stay calm. For me it's just seeing ball, hitting ball and make sure I connect [with ball], because I have been working really hard in the gym to get stronger," said Sammy with a smile.
Today's game against Sri Lanka will be a repeat of the 2012 T20 final which the West Indies won by 36 runs. If a similar result takes place, the West Indies will attempt to become the first team to retain the World T20 title, something that has been the target of the Sammy and company ever since they left the Caribbean.
On a more personal front, the post-World Cup era has not been very kind to Sammy with the player being stripped off the ODI captaincy. While this could have been an aspect for extra motivation, Sammy, who joked that he might lose Test captaincy if his side wins the competition this time around, said that he was happy just to be able to represent the West Indies.
"For me it's never been about whether I am captain or not. I just enjoy playing for the West Indies. Not many people get to wake up in the morning and get to do what they love. Captain or not, it's about giving my best for the West Indies," a resurgent Sammy said.
With the West Indies just two steps away from defending their title, Sammy finished the press conference with a message for the Sri Lankans that depicted the immense amount of confidence that their side is running on.
"I guess the final [2012] will be at the back of their minds, the warm-up game will be at the back of their minds, because they know once the West Indies come up and turn up, they are dangerous."
