Sunil Narine snared career-best figures of six for 27 on his return to West Indies colours as the host defeated South Africa by four wickets in the opening match of the Tri-Nation One-Day International series at the Guyana National Stadium.
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Forced to remodel his action after it was deemed illegal during the Caribbean side’s last ODI campaign in Sri Lanka last November, the 28-year-old mystery spinner was at his mesmerising best on a turgid surface where the South Africans were dismissed for 188 off 46.5 overs. They found it difficult to establish any sort of momentum despite two useful partnerships at the top of the order.
Narine’s returns were not only a personal milestone but also the best-ever by any opponent in one=day cricket against South Africa.
“I’ve had to change my bowling action almost 80 percent and it’s great to see how it has worked out,” said Man of the Match Narine. “I really hope I can keep on playing for the West Indies for the rest of my career.”
Kieron Pollard, back in the good graces of West Indies selectors after 20 months in the ODI wilderness following the shock abandonment of the tour of India in October of 2014, then lifted his team to the target with a robust unbeaten 67 that included six sixes.
“I had my plans going out to bat and it came off tonight,” he said. “I really missed being part of that successful World T20 squad but I have recovered from injury faster than I thought and it’s great to be back in the West Indies team.”
It was the first time in 15 years that the Caribbean side had defeated the South Africans in a one-dayer on home soil.
Rilee Rossouw top-scored with 61 and featured in a 78-run third-wicket partnership with skipper AB de Villiers. That effort followed an opening stand of 52 between Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla. However the Proteas collapsed from the comparative comfort of 160 for three, their last seven wickets falling for just 28 runs.
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