All-round Sammy helps West Indies draw level

Fri, Dec 7, '12

When Darren Sammy walked back after compiling a fighting, unbeaten 60, he had given West Indies hope in an otherwise unconvincing batting performance. He wasn't done yet for the day. He returned with the new ball and inflicted a top-order wobble that not only dictated the course of the match, but also gave West Indies their second-consecutive win, with the teams locked at 2-2 going into the decider on Saturday.

Having restricted West Indies to a middling 212, Bangladesh would have fancied their chances of sealing their second series win at home against a formidable side in two years. During the mid-innings break, judging by the threat posed by their own spinners, Bangladesh would have discussed Sunil Narine at length. By the time Narine came on to bowl, Bangladesh had lost half their side - they were 13 for 5 - and it was the West Indies seamers, Sammy and Kemar Roach, who got the ball to wobble around under lights. The expectant crowd had a glimmer of hope via a positive half-century stand between Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, but Mushfiqur's departure ensured the initiative remained with West Indies.