The Independent Voice of West Indies Cricket
The West Indies crept closer to a quarterfinal berth by defeating Bangladesh by 9 wickets today. Led by Captain Darren Sammy with 4 wickets, and well supported by Kemar Roach, and S Benn, 3 each, the West Indies bowled out Bangladesh, who batted first, for just 58 runs. In reply, Chris Gayle hit 37 not out, taking him past 8000 ODI runs as the West Indies made the runs for only the loss of Devon Smith's wicket.
Trinidad pulled to within 3 points of Leader Jamaica with a come from behind victory over the Windwards Islands, as England Lions could only manage first innings points against a determined CCC team.
A drawn match between Barbados and Guyana reduced both teams prospects of making the play-offs, with three matches to go. The tournament resumes on March 11.
Teams Points
Jamaica 36
Trinidad &Tobago 33
Lions 30
CCC 27
Windwards 23
Guyana 13
Barbados 12
Leewards 3
A different West Indies team turned up for their match against the Dutch, and totally dominated them in a 215 run victory. A subdued 80 by Chris Gayle, and a torrid 60 off 27 balls by K Pollard, supported by a half century by Devon Smith, set the dutch a target of 331. A first over wicket by Roach, followed by another in the ninth, and three wickets in 3 overs by Benn, including the dangerous R N ten Doeschate, left the Dutch reeling at 36 for 5 after 10 overs.
A 57 run partnership between Cooper and Burkhari delayed the inevitable, but Kemar Roach closed out the Dutch with a hat trick to end with 6 wickets.
The large margin of victory moved the West Indies to a NRR of +1.879, the highest in the group.