PERTH, Australia (CMC) — Narsingh Deonarine said Saturday he was disappointed with himself despite carving out a career-best half-century for West Indies that helped them in a late but futile push for victory against Australia in the third Test at the WACA.

West indies lost the match by a narrow 35 runs.

The diligent left-hander, who stroked 82 as West Indies reached 308 for nine at the close still 51 runs adrift of their victory target of 359, said he had been determined to finish the day unbeaten and engineer a Windies victory on the final day yesterday.

“I was disappointed that I got out. I wanted to continue batting and come back tomorrow (Sunday) and win the game,” said Deonarine.

“We never thought about a draw and we never thought about defeat. We were always thinking about winning. It was very hot out there (36 degrees Celsius) but I enjoy batting in any conditions.”

Deonarine combined in a terrific 128-run, fourth wicket stand with fellow left-hander Brendan Nash (65) to pull West Indies around after they slipped to 68 for three at the lunch break.

Playing his first Test in four-and-a-half years, the 26-year-old Deonarine struck 10 fours and two sixes in an innings that required 171 balls and spanned 202 minutes.

Despite the Windies’ precarious position after lunch, Deonarine combined attacking flair with watchfulness to place the Aussie bowlers under severe pressure.

“I have played some very good knocks back home, but I would have to say this was my best innings of all,” he said.

“I started slowly and then I got into my stride. I was not afraid and I was feeling confident all the way through my knock.”

He added: “There were some cracks out there and every now and again the ball would do a bit but I just had to blank that out and watch the ball closely and play each ball as it came down.

“Overall the pitch was playing really good, but just now and then one or two would hit a crack.”