LONDON, CMC- Pacer Kemar Roach says a boost in confidence helped him to rip through the early Pakistan batting as West Indies launched their ICC Champions Trophy in triumphant fashion yesterday.
The Windies new ball bowler took 3-28 off his 10 overs and was named man of the match as Pakistan lost by two wickets.
Roach produced one his best bowling efforts in limited-overs cricket and then returned to hit the winning runs.
“I was a little low on confidence coming into the match as I wasn’t at my best in the last warm-up match against Sri Lanka but I bounced back quickly,”after accepting his Man-of-the-Match award from Sir Trevor McDonald.
“I got a huge backing and vote of confidence from the others in the dressing room and that helped to lift me in a big way.”
Roach took 3-5 in 14 balls up front. He started with the wicket of Imran Farhat caught by Dwayne Bravo at second slip and then sent back Mohammed Hafeez , bowled by an inswinger which rattled the middle stump.
Roach later had Asad Shafiq caught by Ravi Rampaul on the third man boundary as he tried to cut a short ball.
“I wanted to pitch the ball up and let the ball do the work. Pakistan are a tough side to play against and it was quite a challenge,” he said.
“My rhythm was on today and I felt good running in”.
Roach received good support from Sunil Narine who also took three wickets in 10 overs. The off-spinner, who recently rose to Number one in the ICC ODI bowling rankings ended with 3-34, including his 50th wicket in his 29th match.
“We now look ahead to what is to come,” said Roach.
“The next match is against India and we know they have a strong batting line-up so we will regroup and look at our plans to get the better of them as well”.
West Indies will remain in London where they will play their second Group B match against India at the Oval on Tuesday.