GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – Penetrative bowling and decisive batting have left Windward Islands in a strong position to push for a victory against tournament leaders Guyana, after the opening day of their third round TCL West Indies Under-19 Challenge match yesterday.
Sent in to bat by the Windwards, Guyana were routed for 51 in the first over after lunch and by stumps the Windwards had reached 179 for five, a commanding lead of 128 on first innings with five wickets still standing.
Playing at the Gros Islet Playing Field, the right-handed opener Denis Smith spanked 93 to give the Windwards innings a lively start.
He stroked 13 fours and two sixes off 105 balls in 188 minutes and shared an opening stand of 113 with Atticus Browne who hit a patient 41.
Rudolph Paul was unbeaten on 21 at the close while right-arm leg spinner Amir Khan has so far bagged four for 65 for Guyana.
Earlier, the Windwards took wickets at regular intervals with the experienced Kavem Hodge ending with three wickets for no runs with his left-arm spin, to bring a dramatic end to the Guyana innings.
At one stage, the Guyanese were floundering on 17 for seven but number eight batsman Andre Stoll hit some lusty blows in a knock of 29 to push them past 50. He was the first of Hodge’s victims, all of whom were mesmerised when bowled.
Opening bowler Bronte Bess found pace and movement to capture two for four off his six allowed overs while his fellow St Lucian Kurt Edward had two for 14 from four overs.
Levaughn Lewis also collected a two-wicket haul for 22 runs.
