Sammy says task “difficult” but Windies optimistic

CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – Despite losing their second straight One Day International against Pakistan here Sunday, West Indies captain Darren Sammy remained upbeat his new look side could stage a fightback, though he conceded the task would be difficult heading into the third match today.

The West Indies lost by seven wickets at the Beausejour Cricket Ground Monday having gone down by eight wickets in the first match at the same venue Saturday.

“It might be difficult but it is not out of our hands. We had a much better improved bowling performance in the second game. If we could put more runs on the board, it will give us a better chance to win,” Sammy told CMC Sports in a one-on-one interview after the match.

“We made a fight out of 220, imagine if we put up a score of over 260-plus and give our bowlers something to work with.”

West Indies struggled in both games with bat and ball, failing to post significant scores and then toiling to make any inroads in the Pakistan batting.

The 27-year-old all-rounder said the players had remained focused, however, and the defeats in the first couple of matches would not impact too heavily on their mindsets going into the third all-important encounter.

“I think we could level the series or win a couple games. Getting wickets with the new ball is crucial for us and that is something we can work on,” said Sammy.

“I think the guys are aware we are a young side. Nobody said we are going to just start winning games. Everything takes time and a process but you can see some fight in this side. I don’t think it will be hard to motivate the guys they know what is at stake.”

West Indies on Tuesday named an unchanged side to face Pakistan in the first of two ODIs scheduled for Kensington Oval.