Narine plans to stay on top of ODI rankings

Birmingham, June 5 (IANS/CMC) West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who has eclipsed Pakistani Saeed Ajmal to become the number one-ranked ODI bowler in the world, says he plans on maintaining his position.

The Trinidadian climbed to the number one spot in just 28 games to become the first West Indian to top the list in ODIs since Curtley Ambrose in 1997, reports CMC.

"Whatever success you get you just look to enjoy it. I never set out to be Number 1 in the rankings," stated Narine, who is also number one in the ICC T20 rankings.

"But I will look to maintain my position and do well for the team all the time."

Narine bowled with control and accuracy to grab two wickets for 26 runs off ten overs as the West Indies defeated Sri Lanka by 17 runs Tuesday in their second and final warm-up match for the Champions Trophy.

The Windies, who were defeated by Australia last Saturday, now look forward to Friday's opening Group B match against Pakistan at the Oval.

"Being able to have a good performance in this game has given me the confidence going into the first game Friday. Hopefully, I can continue with this good form I am having," said Narine.

The 25-year-old was asked to bowl in the crucial final stages of the innings and pegged back the batsmen.

"I think (Dwayne) Bravo did a good job of captaining the team - he knew when to attack and when to hold back. Bravo wanted me to keep it tight at the end in my final two overs and when I came back at the end I just looked to do that," said Narine who has played 28 matches and taken 47 wickets at an average of 21.68 runs per wicket since his debut in December 2011 in India.

"I am getting some purchase off the wicket and I'm hoping to help the West Indies to some more victories in this tournament. The wickets last year didn't offer much turn but this year I am getting a bit more turn, they suit me a bit more and I'm trying to make the most of it."

--IANS/CMC

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