Friday, July 26, 2013

Sammy excited for T20 clashes

West Indies Twenty20 captain Darren Sammy is relishing a comeback to his side's favoured format as they seek vengeance against Pakistan.

The hosts suffered a 3-1 defeat in the five-match one-day international series earlier this month but, with last year's ICC World T20 title under their belt, they will be hoping to paint a different picture in St Vincent this weekend.

Pakistan's tour moves on to Kingstown for two 20-over internationals in as many days as the visitors look to claim yet another scalp on West Indian soil.

However, West Indies all-rounder Sammy is expecting some close encounters but believes his side have the edge to prevail.

"The teams are evenly matched, the difference is somebody like Misbah (ul-Haq) batted throughout the innings in most of the games that they won," he said.

"I'm looking forward to the two T20s, this is the format I think we're best at and we have to go out there in St Vincent and show why we are T20 champions."

Kemar Roach, Devon Smith and Jason Holder all drop out of the squad which featured in the one-day internationals with Shannon Gabriel brought in to bolster the pace bowling stocks, while batsman Christopher Barnwell's impressive domestic campaign earns him a call-up.

Sunil Narine looks set to start for the West Indies but conditions will dictate whether Samuel Badree is also included as a second spinner.

Meanwhile Pakistan have brought in all-rounder Hammad Azam and unconventional left-arm spinner Sohail Tanvir. The uncapped 34-year-old Zulfiqar Babar looks set to feature alongside batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, while Asad Shafiq, wicketkeeper Mohammed Rizwan and spinner Abdur Rehman all fly home.

The two short-format clashes will be contested at Arnos Vale and Sammy is relishing the prospect of playing at the historic venue.

"The last international cricket played here the Prime Minister gave a holiday so we are definitely looking forward to it," he added.

"As West Indians, we always entertain the fans. Hopefully we can play competitive cricket and be on the winning side."


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