Sammy promises West Indies come-back against Ireland

Kingston (Jamaica), Feb 21 (IANS/CMC) Captain Darren Sammy has vowed that West Indies will rebound from a six-wicket thrashing at the hands of Ireland when the two teams meet in the final game of their two-match series.

Sammy has promised that his team will give an improved showing in keeping with their status as reigning ICC World Twenty20 Champions in the second game Friday, reports CMC.

"We are definitely coming hard Friday and we, no doubt, have to put in a much better performance to show why we are world champions," Sammy said.

"We are disappointed with the result, but we are going to bounce back and look to continue our preparation to what is the bigger picture, which is the World Cup."

The West Indies made a modest 116 for eight off their allotted 20 overs with Chris Gayle top scored with 18 playing his first competitive game since picking up a hamstring injury on tour of India last November.

Ireland, inspired by an unbeaten 40 from man-of-the-match Ed Joyce, won the match with five balls to spare.

"It is very disappointing, but it is just a little bump in our preparations," Sammy said.

"I am not looking for excuses, but a few of our guys have been out injured (and are) now coming back."

Ireland are preparing for next month's play-offs where they will bid for a place in the Super 10 stage of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh from March 16-April 6.

--IANS/CMC

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