KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15: Getting to the final of the tri-series in Malaysia will be crucial for confidence as the West Indies prepares to defend its Champions Trophy title next month, captain Brian Lara said.

The West Indies have so far won one (against India) and lost one (against Australia) in the DLF Cup, and being in the final on September 24 would be a major boost for a side that has plummeted down the world rankings.

“I think it's very important for us to reach the final here,” said 37-year-old Lara, in his third stint as captain.

“We're playing two of the best teams in the world. We are rated much lower than they are and it is important for us morally, for confidence, to get to the final, to beat one of the teams that are here.”

The West Indies were comprehensively beaten by Australia in their first match here, losing their last nine wickets for just 29 runs.

But they bounced back and beat India by 29 runs on Thursday on the Duckworth-Lewis method in a rain-hit match.—AFP