Tamar Lambert is confident of a Jamaica win as his team chases a meagre victory target of 98 heading into today’s final day in their opening WICB Regional Four-dayt first-class match against the Windward Islands at Chedwin Park.

Speaking to reporters at the end of the third day’s play yesterday, the Jamaican skipper says he had anticipated a Windwards fightback after managing to gain a first-innings lead of 154 and had the visitors at 19 for one at the close of day two.

The Windwards struggled throughout and were at one stage 130 for seven, before granting themselves faint hopes after former captain Raul Lewis (63no) carried his batting for the second time in the match, as they made 251 all out.

“We know that the Windward Islands will not come today (yesterday) and lie down. They came second last year in the competition, so they have a point to prove that they can go all the way this year, so we expect a lot of fight from them,” said Lambert. “Raul Lewis came and showed that on a good batting strip. Therefore 98 should not be too difficult to get on a good batting track.”

The visitors, however, looked to set up a tense final day, as the Jamaicans ended the day on 20 for two after losing Brenton Parchment (0) and Donovan Pagon (8) late on.

“We continue to struggle at the top of the order but that said we should be able to get 78 runs tomorrow,” he added.

Darren Sammy, Lambert’s opposite number, is expressing optimism that his team can snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, drawing reference from last season first-class clash between the two when they defeated Jamaica by three wickets in a nail-biting battle at the Trelawny Stadium.

Sammy said: “Cricket is a game of fortunes and glorious uncertainties. Defending 90-odd you never know what’s possible. We just have to play our part… bowl in the right areas, take all the chances that come and you never know what could happen.”