Sarwan 123 helps Windies beat Kenya by 61 runs

Colombo, Feb 12 (PTI) Ramnaresh Sarwan hammered anaggressive 123 as West Indies recorded an emphatic 61-run winover Kenya in their World Cup warm-up game, here today.

Sarwan played sheet-anchor after his side were reduced to65 for four in the 20th over to take West Indies score to 253for eight in 50 overs after they were put into bat at the RPremadasa Stadium.

Coming in to bat in the 10th over with his side reelingat a precarious 32 for three, Sarwan single-handedly took WestIndies to a competitive total. He took the Kenyan bowlers totask and hit 11 fours and five sixes in his 125-ball innings.

Chasing a stiff target of 254, Kenya were shot out for192 in 45.3 overs with paceman Andre Russell claiming four for43 in his 10 overs as West Indies won the match easily toboost their morale ahead of the World Cup.

West Indies made a wobbling start with their openingbatsmen Devon Smith (0) and Adrian Barath (17) were dismissedcheaply with just 32 on board, both falling to veteran pacerThomas Odoyo.

One-down Darren Bravo did not stay long at the crease ashe also fell for just 12 to leave Sarwan with a huge task ofdoing a rescue act.

Former captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul contributed justseven and it was left to Sarwan and all-rounder Dwayne Bravoto take the side out of the woods.

The duo did that in superb fashion with a 94-run standfor the fifth wicket from 15.3 overs, taking their side from65 for four to 159 for five in the 35th over when Bravo wasout for a 56-ball 54 which was studded with six fours and asix.

The duo also pushed up the scoring rate with some lustyblows, giving off-spinner James Ngoche (0/41 from five overs)some special treatment.

Sarwan shepherded the tail admirably well and took mostof the strike while also scoring at a brisk pace.

West Indies added nearly 100 runs from the remaining 15overs after Bravo was out and the bulk of them came fromSarwan''s blade.

Captain Darren Sammy, Carlton Baugh and Andre Russellcould contribute just seven, 12 and four not out respectively.

Odoyo was the most successful Kenyan bowler with threefor 34 while Steve Tikolo chipped in with two for 32. MORE PTIPDS KHS