GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC)

West Indies vice-captain Denesh Ramdin said yesterday winning the four-match one-day international series against India was of high importance to the regional side.

Ramdin was speaking ahead of the final two matches of the series, scheduled for Friday and Sunday at the Beausejour Stadium.

The series is currently tied 1-1 after the two teams split the doubleheader at Sabina Park in Jamaica last weekend.

"This is a very big weekend for us. We squared the series and it is very important that we win on Friday," Ramdin said.

"I'm confident and the team is confident. It is a case of two good teams playing against each other and we expect two very competitive matches.

"We have been batting well and the bowlers did extremely well in the second match. Everyone is doing their part and we believe in ourselves and in each other."

eight-wicket victory

West Indies lost the opening match last Friday by 20 runs, falling short in their pursuit of India's mammoth 339.

Their bowlers then hit back in the second match on Sunday, dismissing India cheaply for 188 and setting up an easy eight-wicket victory.

Ramdin starred in the win, snaring five catches behind the stumps for the first time in an ODI and was understandably elated.

"This was the first time I had five catches in an ODI. I have been working hard and the hard work has been rewarded," the 24-year-old said.