Cricket: Sammy hails ‘team effort’ as West Indies end Australia jinx

Narine takes four-for to help hosts win 2nd ODI.

KINGSTOWN:

Captain Darren Sammy hailed his team’s performance as West Indies clinched their first win in almost six years over Australia, beating the tourists in the second One-Day International (ODI) by five wickets.

In a match reduced to 40-overs-a-side due to rain, Australia struggled to 154 for nine with off-spinner Sunil Narine finishing with four for 27 off eight overs.

West Indies reached the Duckworth-Lewis target of 158 with 10 balls remaining as big-hitting Kieron Pollard top-scored with 47.

“The team played much better today,” said Sammy. “The bowlers did well again and there was more responsibility when chasing the runs. It was a total team effort.”

Australian captain Shane Watson admitted his batsmen had come up short. “In the end we were 20-30 runs short,” said Watson. “We were unable to get big enough partnerships through the start or middle.”

The third ODI takes place at the same venue today. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2012.