Windies win series
Marlon Samuels and Lendl Simmons cracked half-centuries to help the
West Indies clinch the one-day series with an easy eight-wicket win over
Bangladesh in the second match on Saturday.
Samuels scored a brisk 88 not out and opener Simmons an impressive 80
as the West Indies achieved a 221-run target with more than seven overs
to spare in the day-night match for an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the
three-game series.
The final one-dayer will be played in Chittagong on Tuesday.
Simmons, who hit a century in his team’s 40-run win in the opening
match, added 71 for the opening wicket with Danza Hyatt (39) and 111 for
the second wicket with Samuels to ensure the victory.
Samuels smashed one six and 12 fours in his 74-ball knock for his
second successive half-century, while Simmons hit three sixes and as
many fours in his 125-ball knock.
“Bangladesh have a lot of spinners but the wicket was nice. We had a
good start and batted sensibly,” said Samuels, who was named man of the
match.
“We worked hard before coming here as we knew Bangladesh are a
dangerous team.
We now want to be more consistent.” Bangladesh, reeling at 1-3 and
then at 18-4 in the opening five overs after winning the toss, were
earlier steadied by skipper Mushfiqur Rahim who hit a 109-ball 69 under
pressure.
“We have played an irresponsible game today. It was a do-or-die match
for us, but our batsmen did not perform up to expectations,” said Rahim.
“I wanted to make this match memorable by winning it because it was
my 100th one-day international, but the memory will not be sweet. I’m
really disappointed. If we are to win a match, our batsmen must
perform.”
West Indies paceman Kemar Roach and birthday boy Ravi Rampaul did the
early damage when they took two wickets apiece in their opening spells.
Wicket-keeper Rahim added 40 runs for the fifth wicket with Alok Kapali
(20) and 57 for the next with Naeem Islam (30).
The Bangladeshi captain hit one six and two fours before being caught
by Samuels at deep square-leg off seamer Andre Russell while going for a
big shot in the 40th over.
DHAKA, Oct 15, 2011, AFP |