–Says Windies ‘a confident bunch heading to Zimbabwe for Qualifiers
By Sean Devers
GUYANAESE off-spinning all-rounder, Kevin Sinclair’s Man-of-the-Match bowling performance led the West Indies to a four-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last Friday in Sharjah in their final ODI of the three-match series which they won 3-O.
Sinclair, in only his fourth ODI and first in almost 10 months, captured a career beat 4-24 from 7-1 probing overs as UAE lost their last eight wickets for 42 runs in 14 overs to bag his second 4-wicket haul at this level.

The 23-year-old from Guyana’s oldest town, New Amsterdam, dedicated his match-winning perforce to his grandfather, who celebrated his 75th birthday last Wednesday.
“I was an opener from the age of 14 and a medium-fast bowler and my grandfather changed me to an off- spinner. I spoke to him today (Friday) and he was very happy. He was my first coach” informed Sinclair who plays for Rosehall Town Youth & Sports Club in Corentyne, Berbice.
Sinclair is arguable the most improved West Indies cricketer over the last year and in his last four first-class matches (Weekes vs Headley in Antigua and three in Bangladesh with the West Indies ‘A’ team) he has scored two fifties and taken 23, including two five-wicket hauls.

He did not play in the first two ODIs with Roston Chase being used as the off-spinner.
But Sinclair, who bowled beautifully in his best ODI spell on Friday with a ‘perfect’ pace, line, length and extracting prodigious turn from the track, said he was not surprised when he was eventually picked.
“I wasn’t surprised, I am always a team man and was just looking forward for my opportunity and I took it. I just hit my areas and be consistent and bowl wicket to wicket,” said Sinclair, who made his ODI debut against New Zealand at Bridgetown on August 17, 2022.

Sinclair, who has not been selected for the Qualifier, feels that Daren Sammy is doing a good job as Head Coach so far in inspiring the players to believe in themselves and getting the team to gel as a family.
“He is a person who keeps it very simple and, more importantly, he gives the players that confidence needed to execute plan and roles in the team.
Coach Sammy is very hard working and passionate about west indies cricket and getting us better as a world class team.
We are a very confident bunch coming off with a good showing against the UAE as the team heads for the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe,” disclosed Sinclair, who is expected home this evening.

West Indies are grouped with Zimbabwe, Netherlands, Nepal and the USA and play their first game on June 18 against the USA.
West Indies squad: Shai Hope (C), Rovman Powell (Vc), Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd.