West Indies' Marlon Samuels avoids a bouncer during the fourth one-day international cricket match against Pakistan in Multan on Wednesday. - reuters

multan, pakistan (cmc):

West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels says he wants the opportunity to bat higher in the order, after his scintillating, unbeaten century propelled West Indies to their first win of the one-day international series against Pakistan Wednesday.

"The big relief was not scoring the hundred but it is that I have been getting the opportunity to bat at four now. I'm just trying to make the best use of it right now," Samuels told reporters ahead of tonight's fifth ODI.

"I don't have a problem batting anywhere in the order, it's what the team requires at the time. I don't mind going out there and trying to pull off games especially when the situation gets tight but most of the time you fail more than succeed at number seven.

Assessing the situation

"At number three or four where I have been batting for Jamaica you get to assess the situation and it's always good for a batsman to assess the situation and know what the pitch is doing and know what shots to play and what shots not to play."

Batting at number four, Samuels hammered an even 100 from just 99 balls as West Indies reached 212 for three off 34.5 overs, to overhaul Pakistan's 209 all out in 49.5 overs.

The century was only Samuels' second in 78 ODIs, his first coming five years ago against India.

"I'm always confident even though I wasn't getting any runs down the order in the last couple of innings especially in ICC Champions Trophy and the DLF Cup in Malaysia but I backed myself in the field and when bowling. I was just waiting for opportunity to get an early knock to use up the confidence I have in the field," Samuels pointed out.

"I'd like to continue to get the opportunity to bat early and my confidence will continue to grow from strength to strength and I'll definitely continue to use these opportunities and make good use of it."