BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – All-rounder Darren Sammy would readily trade in his consecutive Man-of-the-Match awards for the West Indies continued success in the World Twenty20 Championship.
The 26-year-old all-rounder was outstanding in the Windies’ preliminary round campaign as the hosts swept to victories over Ireland and England to top Group D.
“It’s all good to be Man-of-the-Match but I am looking at the bigger team picture,” Sammy told reporters here.
“It’s even better to see West Indies with two wins in two matches and we are looking forward to the next stage of the tournament which is the Super Eights.”
Sammy was speaking after West Indies went through their paces on Wednesday in preparation for their first Super Eight clash with Sri Lanka at Kensington Oval today.
They will be seeking to improve on their outing in England last year when they crashed out of the semi-finals at the hands of the Sri Lankans.
Sammy said West Indies were aware of the fans’ expectations and wanted to ensure they gave them a title to celebrate.
“All the guys are aware of the importance of winning this tournament. We have to take it one game at a time,” he said.
“We know we owe it to the fans because they have put up with a lot from us over the years and it will be all well and good to win it here in the Caribbean for the fans.”
Sammy’s bowling has been one of the Windies main weapons so far. He claimed three for eight as they crushed England by 70 runs and then grabbed two for 22 in four miserly overs as England piled up 191.
The right-armer admitted that he did not mind compromising speed for accuracy while bowling.
“The coach said he does not want me to be an express pace bowler because that is not my role,” Sammy said.
“[I ] just put the ball in the right areas and look for the results and that is what I have been doing and that is what has been working for the team so far.”
