Hope for repeat win over South Africa today

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CENTURION – West Indies play South Africa in the fifth and final One-Day International (ODI) match here today eager to prove that their victory in the fourth ODI was no fluke and with dreams of avenging their series defeat when the two teams meet in next month’s World Cup.

West Indies, who were blown away in the first three matches to concede the series, stormed back in sensational fashion to beat South Africa in the fourth ODI at Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

Another victory could help erase the disappointment of back-to-back defeats against the Proteas and bolster their confidence going into the World Cup a little over two weeks from now.

“I don’t think I have had a World Cup where South Africa have not been favourites and this time it’s no different,” said Sammy.

“But in a World Cup if you play three good matches in the first round, you are into the knockout stages and with that, cricket is played on the day and anything is possible.”

The Caribbean men would be encouraged by their victory in the last match, recovering from 73 for five as Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy added 93 before all-rounder Andre Russell scored 64 not out off 40 balls to stun the home side with nine deliveries and a wicket in hand.

“We had a meeting amongst ourselves and guys laid everything on the table,” said Sammy in reference to their consecutive defeats. “The captain asked us to show some pride and man up and we did that in the fourth game.”

South Africa and West Indies will be looking to finish the series on a high with both teams likely to use the final game as a dress rehearsal since it will be their last match before the all-important ICC cricket World Cup. (CMC)