ODI Century Was Like A Burden Lifted - Sarwan

ODI Century Was Like A Burden Lifted - Sarwan

The West Indies led 2-0 after Ramnaresh Sarwan's century in the second game helped them win by seven wickets

©WICB Media/Randy Brooks Photo

West Indian batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan says his match-winning century against Zimbabwe in Sunday's second One-Day International in Grenada was like a burden being lifted from his shoulders.

Brought back into the side to add his considerable experience to a developing team, Sarwan delivered by scoring a career-best 120 as the West Indies sealed the series with a seven-wicket victory.

It came after he was asked to open the batting for just the second time in his international career.

"I felt a burden lifted when I reached my hundred," Sarwan said. "I was lacking a little confidence before this performance so I have my confidence back now. When I hit the first few (shots) out of the middle of the bat I felt good again.

"I have been doing a lot of hard work. Everyone knows I didn’t have the best tour of Australia, but I was determined to do well after I was given the opportunity to open the batting after Johnson Charles was unable to play," he added.

Sarwan hit nine fours and two sixes, anchoring the successful run chase after Zimbabwe had posted a competitive 273 for eight.

"The management team and the captain asked me to do the job and move up and for me I saw it as a great chance to bat 50 overs and get some runs under my belt.

"All the work I did in the nets with the coaches and the others who assisted me paid off. I just have to continue from here and look to get better and get back to where I was a few years ago when I was fully on top of my game."

West Indies are chasing a clean sweep when the two sides meet for the third and final ODI later today (26th January) and Sarwan is pleased with his contribution in the series so far.

"There are a lot of people out there who wanted me to do well and I want to thank them for their tremendous support. I have been working hard to reach this kind of level again and I am happy I was able to put in the kind of performance to help the team to success," he added.

bet365 go 1/8 that the West Indies win the final match with Zimbabwe available at 5/1.

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