CHESTER-LE-STREET, England, CMC – West Indies’ 23-run defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka on Monday has done little to dent the confidence of all-rounder Fabian Allen.
The 24-year-old slammed a 30-ball 51 – his maiden international half-century – as West Indies came up short in their pursuit of 339 for victory at Riverside, to suffer their sixth defeat in eight matches at the ongoing ICC World Cup.
“It was a good all-round performance, my second game so I hope I can contribute as much as I can,” said the Jamaican, who bats right-handed and bowls left-arm spin.
“On the sidelines watching I learned a lot, about how people go about their game, about how people are operating.
“I just have to transfer that into my game and go out there and be Fabian Allen, look to execute and accomplish my goal. That is to give the best I can and make my family proud.”
He added: “When I go out there, I have a winning mindset. I had a clear mind and a clear plan. Once you hold the situation you have to execute the plans you have.
“It is the last game [on Thursday against Afghanistan] so we are just looking forward to finishing on a high.”
West Indies were slumping at 199 for six in the 35th over when Allen combined with Nicholas Pooran, who struck a sparkling 118 off 103 deliveries, in a rollicking 83-run, seventh wicket stand to revive the innings.
With the tide turning in the Caribbean side’s favour, Allen was tragically run out after belated responding to a call for a quick single from Pooran, and finding himself well short at the non-striker’s end.
Allen, playing only his ninth One-Day International and second World Cup match, said his dismissal had been the turning point in the run chase.
“It was a good innings but unfortunate to get out at the end there. That cost us the game,” he acknowledged.
“I wanted to give Pooran the support, give him a bit more of the strike but the run out was a disappointing moment.”
He continued: “It is all about execution. Once you have that you can accomplish anything. It is always my job to contribute. Once I go out there I look to contribute as best I can. I am the last batsman in the pavilion, so that changed everything.
“We (he and Pooran) have batted together at Under-19 and Global T20 so we understand each others’ game. We have played the CPL as well back home. I know how to win games.”
