PROVIDENCE, Guyana, (Reuters) – An unbeaten 77 from Lendl Simmons led West Indies to a 10-wicket victory with 26.3 overs to spare in the fifth and final one-day international against Pakistan today.
Pakistan had already wrapped up the series with victories in the first three encounters but wins in the last two games will boost West Indies’ confidence ahead of the forthcoming two test matches.
Seamer Ravi Rampaul did the damage with the ball for the Caribbean side, who bowled out Pakistan for just 139 in 41.2 overs with the Trinidad and Tobago seamer taking 4-45. Captain Darren Sammy’s medium pace claimed three victims.
Opener Mohammad Hafeez’s 55 was the only real bright spot in a poor Pakistani batting display on a slow track.
Hafeez, who also made a century and another half-century in the series, was named man of the series.
Simmons took charge from the outset of the reply and showed again that he has been a worthy introduction to the team for this series.
The nephew of former West Indies opener Phil Simmons, has struck half centuries in each of the last four games and said he was benefiting from the input of new West Indies batting consultant and former test opener Desmond Haynes.
“I have been trying to focus more on my batting, working on fitness and working with Desmond Haynes. I have been out of the team for a while but I knew my chance would come again, so I had to capitalise,” he said.
Simmons was ably supported by another new face, Barbadian Kirk Edwards, who after a largely disappointing series produced a disciplined 40 not out at the other end.
Skipper Sammy said he was encouraged by the result and the display.
“This is the type of performance we have been looking for and it was good to see a total team effort. Looking at the last game, it seems we might be more comfortable chasing. Looking back at the series, we created opportunities, but didn’t take them. You will take confidence from any victory”.
The first test starts in Guyana on May 12.
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