Samuels powers WI to victory

KINGSTOWN: The West Indies gained a consolation victory over Sri Lanka as persistent showers stalled the third and final one day cricket international yesterday.

The home team won comfortably by six wickets on the Duckworth/Lewis system after reaching 160 for four off 36.5 overs after the second of two rain interruptions. Sri Lanka still secured the Cable and Wireless series 2-1, following victories in the first two matches in Barbados last weekend. Yesterday, Marlon Samuels smashed three sixes and one four in an unbeaten 45 off 38 balls to power the home team’s victory charge after it slipped to 81 for three before the rains came. Sri Lanka were bowled out for a modest 191 off 50 overs after being sent in to bat when West Indies captain Brian Lara won the toss for the third straight match. Mahela Jayawardene topscored with 51, breaking a drought which saw him go without a half century in his previous 17 matches.

Fast bowler Corey Collymore led the way for the West Indies with three for 28 off 10 overs. Rookie pacer Jerome Taylor chipped in with two for 39 off 10 overs on debut. Samuels enjoyed an outstanding session in the field, notching two run outs with direct hits and one brilliant catch. He also claimed one for 29 off five overs with his off-spin and earned the “Man of the Match” honours. Sri Lanka lost danger-man Sanath Jayasuriya (8) in the third over as Samuels made his presence felt for the first time in the day with a pinpoint throw from midwicket. Fellow opener Romesh Kaluwitharana also fell cheaply as he miscued a catch to Lara off Collymore’s bouncer at 28 for two.

The West Indies kept a grip for the remainder of the innings as the visitors hit just five fours and two sixes off 50 overs. Gayle (21) and Wavell Hinds (19) gave the West Indies a steady start with a stand of 36 for the first wicket. But when Hinds, Lara and Gayle fell in the middle overs, Sri Lanka sensed an opening at 81 for three in the 23rd over. Hinds lofted a catch to mid-on off Vaas before Lara fell cheaply for the first time of the series. The champion left-hander smashed Dharmasena’s first ball for six, but the off-spinner gained revenge next delivery as Lara (14) miscued a catch to mid-off. Gayle was bowled behind his back by leg-spinner Chandana. But Samuels arrived in aggressive mood and quickly restored the West Indies’ advantage. Chandana again suffered off Samuels’ bat, as he was smote for two sixes in an over that cost 16. Ace off-spinner Muralitharan could not halt the assault and by the time he dismissed Sarwan for 25 off 51 balls after the first rain break, the contest was virtually over.