PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Temperamental left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn has played down his last-over heroics which propelled West Indies A to a thrilling three-wicket win over India A in the first Twenty20 of the two-match series here Saturday night. With the Windies A needing 15 from the last over, Benn clubbed the first two deliveries off Bhuveshwar Kumar’s over square leg for sixes, before calmly collecting the three runs required from the next two deliveries.
“When I went in I was batting with a recognised batsman (Jonathan Carter) so I never thought about losing. When he got out I just said I have a job to do so I’ll go about it as smartly as possible,” said the 30-year-old, playing in his first match in West Indies colours in 15 months.
“I wouldn’t say a ‘dream comeback’, but it’s good to hit the ground running. I give thanks for this opportunity to get back into West Indies cricket and contribute to the success of this team.”
Benn had not played for the Caribbean side since March last year during the World Cup, after being sidelined over disciplinary issues.
He was, however, picked in a 13-man squad for the double-header after earlier successfully completing a rehabilitation programme with the West Indies Cricket Board.
When India A batted, he snatched three for 24 from three overs, a performance which helped to earn him the Man-of-the-Match award.
“Bearing in mind that the Indians are very experienced cricketers and are good players of spin, you always have to concentrate, but nothing beats execution and believing in your ability,” Benn said.
“I think we fielded very well … guys were throwing themselves around in the outfield … there was a buzz … we came out full of life. The captain (Kieran Powell) did an excellent job in his first match leading a West Indies team. He rotated his bowlers very well while under pressure.”