Sarwan keeps cool as Windies eye last-eight
Ireland's injured Johaston doubtful for today's clash.
MOHALI:
Grizzled veteran Ramnaresh Sarwan, who knows the difference between a new West Indies golden age and another false dawn, is refusing to ponder a World Cup quarter-final spot just yet.
The 30-year-old, with 162 One-Day Internationals under his belt as well as more than 5,000 runs, believes the West Indies cannot take anything for granted despite being in touching distance of the last-eight. Victory over Ireland today would virtually assure qualification but Sarwan is wary of the dangers posed by an Irish side who stunned England in a record-breaking run-chase earlier in the competition.
“Every game is a must-win game for us,” said Sarwan.
“The points table has gone back and forth. It is important for us to win this game.
“Ireland showed what they are capable of against England. We are going to go out there and play to the best of our ability. You surely can’t take anybody for granted here.
The Caribbean side were well beaten by South Africa in their tournament opener but responded by thumping the Netherlands and demolishing co-hosts Bangladesh.
Johnston’s decision still pending
Ireland were sweating over the fitness of in-form seamer Trent Johnston ahead of their crunch World Cup clash against the West Indies today.
Johnston, 36, took two early wickets during Sunday’s five-wicket defeat to India in Bangalore before picking up a knee injury and taking no further part in the game. Ireland captain William Porterfield said the team will take a final decision on the veteran fast-bowler only on the morning of the match.
“We will assess his fitness again and take a call on him on the morning of the match,” said Porterfield.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2011.
Grizzled veteran Ramnaresh Sarwan, who knows the difference between a new West Indies golden age and another false dawn, is refusing to ponder a World Cup quarter-final spot just yet.
The 30-year-old, with 162 One-Day Internationals under his belt as well as more than 5,000 runs, believes the West Indies cannot take anything for granted despite being in touching distance of the last-eight. Victory over Ireland today would virtually assure qualification but Sarwan is wary of the dangers posed by an Irish side who stunned England in a record-breaking run-chase earlier in the competition.
“Every game is a must-win game for us,” said Sarwan.
“The points table has gone back and forth. It is important for us to win this game.
“Ireland showed what they are capable of against England. We are going to go out there and play to the best of our ability. You surely can’t take anybody for granted here.
The Caribbean side were well beaten by South Africa in their tournament opener but responded by thumping the Netherlands and demolishing co-hosts Bangladesh.
Johnston’s decision still pending
Ireland were sweating over the fitness of in-form seamer Trent Johnston ahead of their crunch World Cup clash against the West Indies today.
Johnston, 36, took two early wickets during Sunday’s five-wicket defeat to India in Bangalore before picking up a knee injury and taking no further part in the game. Ireland captain William Porterfield said the team will take a final decision on the veteran fast-bowler only on the morning of the match.
“We will assess his fitness again and take a call on him on the morning of the match,” said Porterfield.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2011.