The West Indies must approach tomorrow's match against India, as if their future in the tournament depends on winning it. It makes little sense doing otherwise.
Losing to India and then hoping for a big win in their final first round match against the United Arab Emirates, may guarantee them a weak fourth place, and will suggest a lack of ambition on their part.
The stark reality is that their destiny is in their own hands, and beating India, is about the best way to demonstrate that they understand that.
In years gone by, West Indies would be favourites to beat India at Perth - a track that is especially bouncy and is likely to assist the quickies. But we all know that the Indians are overwhelming favourites.
They are the defending champions, and their win against South Africa was clinical. In addition, they remain one of only two unbeaten teams in the tournament.
They also have some quality batsmen like Shikkar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli, who is now being hailed as the new Sachin Tendulkar.
We can expect them to come with guns blazing, since they will want to top the group, and avoid Australia and Sri Lanka, who are likely to finish second and third in their group. A win guarantees them a weak fourth place finisher in the quarterfinals.
The West Indies bowling looked so mediocre against South Africa that they have to come up with a different plan or they will find the Indian batsmen to be just as belligerent and punishing as AB de Villiers and company. We cannot expect to bowl the same way and get different results.
I hope Kemar Roach is back in the team. If Roach and Jerome Taylor can bowl up to their best form and competence, India could well find themselves with their backs against the wall. Both men can be match winners on their best day.
Perhaps West Indies should sacrifice a batsman to give some firepower to the bowling attack. It is better to strengthen the bowling and have less runs to compete against, rather that have a long batting lineup with too much to chase.
This tournament has thrown up lots of matches in which teams batting second have no chance in a chase, and the game is ended after the first 50 overs.
Perhaps we need to do some adjustments to the batting. Maybe leave out Dwayne Smith or Jonathon Carter and go for an extra bowler. Whatever the approach, it cannot be the same as the last match.
Even though we beat Zimbabwe and Pakistan, there is need for a more attacking approach. Desire and determination must be converted into aggression and backed up by the will to win.
A victory against India will not only assure West Indies of a place in the quarter finals, it will also signal a resurgence of sorts, a message that we are still a force in the limited overs version of the game, and that we are not intimidated by the big teams.
It will also add confidence and take us into a phase of the competition in which anything is possible, once a team plays to its full potential. The last couple of days saw the players meeting and mixing with fans at official functions. This must have been a stimulating experience and would have had a wonderful effect on the players. The extent to which it would have rejuvenated and motivated them will be seen in the 100 overs in tomorrow's match.