ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

Stroke-maker Ramnaresh Sarwan put to rest lingering fears about his future by crafting his first international century in nearly three years, as West Indies coasted to an easy seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match one-day series yesterday.

The 32-year-old, in an unfamiliar role of opener, finished unbeaten on 120 to carry West Indies to their target of 274 off 49 overs at the National Stadium.

He struck nine fours and two sixes in a composed innings that required 143 balls, recording his first three figure score since his even 100 against minnows Ireland in April, 2010 and his 15th overall in 178 ODIs.

His in-form opening partner Kieran Powell carved out 57 for his second half-century in as many innings while Narsingh Deonarine gathered 42 and Kieron Pollard bludgeoned an unbeaten 41, to see West Indies home.

Medium pacer Hamilton Masakadza was the African side's best bowler with two for 27.

Earlier, the impressive Craig Ervine led three batsmen with half-centuries as Zimbabwe defied Dwayne Bravo's six-wicket haul to rattle up a credible 273 for eight.

Ervine, an attack-minded left-hander, crafted 80 from 85 balls while Masakadza stroked 60 and the elegant Vusi Sibanda, 51, in a decent showing by the visitors after they opted to bat first in great conditions.

Medium pacer Bravo collected career-best figures as he finished with six for 43 from his ten overs, to claim Man of the Match honours.