Windies seal series win
Mar 14 2010 - 21:48:31
West Indies wrapped up a 4-1 series win against Zimbabwe today but it was another unconvincing victory in St Vincent.
Chris Gayle's men won by four wickets in the fifth and final one-day international but limped to their victory target after initially impressing with the ball, dismissing the tourists for just 161. Charles Coventry was the only batsman to make a significant contribution for Zim with 56.
In reply, man of the match Gayle led the way with a typically explosive 63 although it took a robust 36 from Kieron Pollard to nudge the Windies over the line.
Zimbabwe recovered from a woeful start to at least make a total which made the home side sweat. At 25 for five it did not look as though the tourists would get anywhere near 161, but a battling effort from Coventry and useful contributions from most of the lower order got them out of jail.
Darren Sammy (three for 33) and Ravi Rampaul (two for 24) ran through the Zimbabwe batting line-up early on to further dent the confidence of a side which had already conceded the series after going 3-1 down heading into the last match.
Coventry came in with his side on the ropes but slowly set about rebuilding the innings His 88-ball knock was steady rather than flamboyant but just what his team needed and he received valuable support from Elton Chigumbura (19), Greg Lamb (16) and Graeme Cremer (19 not out).
And with Gayle in full flow it looked as though his side would clinch victory in quick time. But he received precious little support from the rest of the top order with Adrian Barath and Darren Bravo both making just 14.
By the time Bravo departed, Gayle had already been and gone. His whirlwind innings lasted 41 balls and included eight fours and two sixes. Denesh Ramdin dropped anchor in a bid to see his side home although Zimbabwe remained in the hunt after dismissing Narsingh Deonarine (three) and Bravo (nought).
With Ramdin holding up one end compiling a patient 21 not out, Pollard decided attack was the best policy, blasting three fours and as many sixes in a fearsome exhibition of power hitting.
He was finally out with just nine more needed and Ramdin and David Bernard did the honours to spark some wild celebrations among the home crowd.