Ramdin keeps Windies winning streak alive

DUBAI, UAE (CMC):

Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin stroked a half-century as West Indies kept up their winning streak with a 13-run victory over English County Warwickshire in their third unofficial warm-up Twenty20 here yesterday.

The Caribbean side racked up 145 for five off their 20 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the right-handed Ramdin top-scoring with an unbeaten 52.

Jason Holder struck 23 not out while captain Darren Sammy got 20.

In reply, all-rounder Dwayne Bravo picked up three for 26 as Warwickshire were limited to 132 for four off their 20 overs.

Opener Varun Chopra top-scored with 41, while England discard Ian Bell got 35 in an opening stand of 74. Chopra counted five fours, while Bell gathered four fours and a six.

Once they were separated, however, Warwickshire lost four wickets for 38 runs to lose momentum as West Indies closed out well.

SCORING RUNS

Ramdin had earlier dragged West Indies out of a hole, where they lay languishing at 43 for four, inspiring two stands to get them up to their eventual total.

He stroked five fours and faced 36 deliveries, adding 34 for the fifth wicket, with Sammy and 68 in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand with Holder.

Sammy faced 14 balls and struck two fours, while Holder hit three fours off 20 deliveries.

West Indies will face Warwickshire again on Sunday in their final preparation game before they head to India to take on Australia and India in their two official warm-up games for the Twenty20 World Cup.

They play India at Eden Gardens in Kolkata next Thursday before clashing with India three days later at the same venue.