Sunil Narine sinks South Africa in West Indies romp

Sunil Narine snared career-best figures of 6/27 on his return to West Indies colours as the hosts defeated South Africa by four wickets in the opening match of the tri-nation one-day international series at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday.

The 28-year-old mystery spinner was at his mesmerising best on a turgid surface where the South Africans were dismissed for 188 off 46.5 overs.

Narine’s returns were not only a personal milestone but also the best-ever by any opponents in one-day cricket against South Africa.

“I’ve had to change my bowling action almost 80 percent and it’s great to see how it has worked out,” said Narine.

Kieron Pollard, back in the good graces of West Indies selectors after 20 months in the ODI wilderness, then lifted his team to the target with a robust unbeaten 67 that included six sixes.

It was the first time in 15 years that the Caribbean side had defeated the South Africans in a one-dayer on home soil.

Rilee Rossouw topscored with 61 and featured in a 78-run third-wicket partnership with skipper AB de Villiers.

However the Proteas collapsed from the comparative comfort of 160/3, their last seven wickets falling for just 28 runs.

Set a relatively modest target, the West Indies opening pair of Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher rode their luck in a 37-run stand before the introduction of the spinners changed the complexion of the chase.