Lambert credits Super50 win to better 'thinking'

Tamar Lambert, vice-captain of Jamaica, yester-day pointed out that an improvement in thinking about the game on the spot, was one of the main reasons why the team was able to win the West Indies Super50 Tournament last Saturday.

The team, which returned home yesterday, came out on top after recording a five-wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago in the final which was played at the Guyana National Stadium.

Lambert was not out on the top score of 30, as Jamaica successfully chased a modest 119 for victory in the low-scoring final under the lights.

"Over the years, we have let ourselves down in limited-overs cricket by not thinking through match conditions properly, especially in tight situations," said Lambert.

"This year, however, was a bit different, as we worked harder to assess our opponents and the match, and in the end, along with our natural talent, it paid dividends."

Jamaica, who last season had a record fourth successive hold on the West Indies first-class championship, were winning the Super50 for the first time since the 2007-2008 season.

They, however, are yet to find the formula for winning the West Indies Twenty20 title, as after five attempts, the team's best placing is a finals appearance, which took place in 2006.

Looking to great things

Lambert, however, believes that reality could too change, as given the team's improvement, if it prepares well, great things could happen.

"If we continue to improve, and get the right kind of preparation, we can win the Twenty20 title this season," he said.

"By preparation I mean playing a lot of games during competitions, and during national trials and practice matches.

"These would then allow us to get used to various match settings and requirements, which would then allow us to perform at our optimum."

The regional Twenty20 tourn-ament will be held in January.