Allen brimming with confidence despite loss

(CMC):

West Indies' 23-run defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka on Monday has done little to dent the confidence of all-rounder Fabian Allen.

The 24-year-old slammed a 30-ball 51 - his maiden international half-century - as West Indies came up short in their pursuit of 339 for victory at Riverside, to suffer their sixth defeat in eight matches at the ongoing ICC World Cup.

"It was a good all-round performance, my second game, so I hope I can contribute as much as I can," said the Jamaican, who bats right-handed and bowls left-arm spin.

"On the sidelines watching I learned a lot, about how people go about their game, about how people are operating.

Accomplish my goal

"I just have to transfer that into my game and go out there and be Fabian Allen, look to execute and accomplish my goal, that is, to give the best I can and make my family proud."

He added: "When I go out there, I have a winning mindset. I had a clear mind and a clear plan. Once you hold the situation, you have to execute the plans you have.

"It is the last game [on Thursday against Afghanistan], so we are just looking forward to finishing on a high."

West Indies were slumping at 199 for six in the 35th over when Allen combined with Nicholas Pooran, who struck a sparkling 118 off 103 deliveries, in a rollicking 83-run, seventh-wicket stand to revive the innings.

With the tide turning in the Caribbean side's favour, Allen was tragically run out after belated responding to a call for a quick single from Pooran, and finding himself well short at the non-striker's end.

Allen, playing only his ninth One-Day International and second World Cup match, said his dismissal had been the turning point in the run chase.