Sarwan's 10th century helped West Indies to equal the 2 test match series 1-1. With a target of 253 to win the test, Sri Lanka gained upper hand until Sarwan and Chandrapaul built an 157 run partnershp for the 4th wicket.
Gayle was dismissed for 10, followed by Chattergoon for 11. The much expected Samuels dismissed for 11 leaving West Indies struggle at 73 for 3. Requiring another 180 runs for West Indies and Sri Lanka requiring another 2 or 3 wickets to gain complete control before the tail-enders start to play.
Sarwan and Chandrapaul had to play one more match winning knock to see West Indian cricket lovers smile, especially when the cricket in West Indies is not in its glory as it used to be.
After losing the first test, for Gayle, it was an important game for himself and the team.
Sarwan scored 100 off 151 balls with 15 fours and Chandrapaul crossed his 50 in 99 balls with 2 boundaries. Both of them took the innings away from Sri Lanka and they both added 157 runs in 42.3 overs. Muralitharan's spell this time did not bother the West Indies and they handled him ver well.
Finally Sarwan was caught by Dilshan to give the first wicket for Muralitharan in the 2nd innings. With 23 runs more to win, Smith and Chandrapaul finished the formalities in the next 6 overs without much trouble.
For his wonderful match winning innings, Ramesh Sarwan won the man of the match and for the way he played in the series, he won the man of the series too.
Earlier, trailing 16 runs in the 2nd innings, Sri Lanka were struggling 99 for 6. Taylor's good spell rattled the top order and looked like they will surrender meekly. But, Samaraweera's century helped Sri Lanka to come back in the game and gave a good chance of winning the series. Samaraweera scored his 100 off 173 balls with 15 fours. Vaas who scored 45 accompanied Samaraweera and they both added 138 runs for the 7th wicket. The remaining 3 wickets fell for 31 runs.
West Indian players went through the ground and thanked them for full support. The presentation ceremony started:
Mahela: We gave ourselves a chance but Ronnie and Shiv batted really well. We had few half chances but couldn't capitalise. But West Indies played some very good cricket and deserved to win. It has been a tough series but we have thoroughly enjoyed it. Both teams should take credit for the way we performed. I am looking forward to the ODI series."
Gayle Well done to the guys. It was a shaky start but they came out on the top in the end. The bowlers did a tremendous job, Taylor, Fidel. It was a terrific effort from Sarwan. Credit to Mahela and his team. It was a good series, We enjoyed every minute of it. This win does lots of good for the morale of the team. We have come from behind to equal the series."
Man of the Match and Man of the Series : Sarwan : It was an important innings. It was important to get the partnership with Shiv. I have been positive, picking the right balls to hit. I have continue in this way. It has been hard work back, it has taken ten months to come back. Chris has been doing a wonderful job, every one has been around him and supporting him.
Score:
Match: 2nd Test
Venue: Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Date: April 3-7, 2008
Toss: West Indies and decided to field first
Captain: Gayle (West Indies) and Jayawardane (Sri Lanka)
Umpires: Bowden (New Zealand) and Taufel (Austraia)
Match Result: West Indies won by 6 wickets
Series Result: West Indies and Sri Lanka win 1 match each; Series equal 1-1
Man of the Match: Ramesh Sarwan (West Indies)
Man of the Series: Ramesh Sarwan (West Indies)
Score:
Sri Lanka 1st Innings 278 all out 64.5 overs (Vandort 30, Warnapura 35, Jayawardane 26, Dilshan 62, Silva 76, Powell 2 for 59, Taylor 74, Edwards 4 for 84)
West Indies 1st Innings 294 all out in 76.2 overs (Gayle 45, Chattergoon 46, Sarwan 57, Smith 47, Bravo 26, Vaas 2 for 76, Mirando 2 for 72, Muralitharan 5 for 79)
Sri Lanka 2nd Innings (trail by 16 runs) 268 all out in 75.1 overs (Samaraweera 125, Dilshan 25, Vaas 45, Taylor 4 for 52)
West Indies 2nd Innings (253 to win) 254 for 4 in 68.3 overs (Sarwan 102, Chandrapaul 86 not out, Vaas 2 for 52)
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