Third century for Smith as Windwards brush aside Guyana

Opener Devon Smith … smashed his third century of the regional season.

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent,  CMC – Left-handed opener Devon Smith continued to force his way into West Indies contention, striking his third century in six innings here today to power Windward Islands to a strong seven-wicket victory over Guyana.

He finished unbeaten on 110 as the hosts, chasing a moderate 199 for victory, reached their target off 46.5 overs at the Arnos Vale Stadium in the third round of the Regional Super50.

The 31-year-old, who has not played for West Indies in nearly two years, hammered 11 fours and a six off 144 balls to anchor the innings.

He put on 45 off 72 deliveries for the second wicket with Andre Fletcher who hit 25 off 37 balls, before negating any hope of a Guyana comeback in a 113-run, third wicket partnership with Keddy Lesporis who scored 41 from 75 deliveries.

Earlier this month, Smith struck a century in each innings of the first round Regional Four-Day contest against Combined Campuses and Colleges, and followed up with 99 against T&T in the Super50 just over a week ago.

Guyana had earlier suffered a mid-innings slump despite half-centuries from Trevon Griffith (55) and Leon Johnson (52).

The pair put on 93 for the second wicket after Rajendra Chandrika was run out in the fourth over for four with the score on 18 for one.

Griffith faced 76 balls and struck just two fours while Johnson lasted 84 balls and counted five boundaries.

However, once they were separated, Guyana lost three wickets for four runs to slump to 115 for four to lose their way.

Chris Barnwell then rallied the innings with 35 from 56 balls, belting a four and a six before departing in the penultimate over.

Off-spinner Dalton Polius (2-16) and fast bowler Nelon Pascal (2-36) picked up two wickets apiece.

 

Opener Devon Smith ... smashed his third century of the regional season.
Opener Devon Smith … smashed his third century of the regional season.