GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – A scintillating Darren Sammy cameo helped Windward Islands overpower beleaguered Barbados and keep alive their chances of reaching the playoffs of the Caribbean Twenty20.
Chasing 141 for victory at the Beausejour Cricket Stadium on Thursday night, the Windwards were floundering at 57 for five in the ninth over before Sammy arrived to uncork a blistering 41 and carry his side home with an over to spare.
He shared an exhilarating sixth wicket stand of 70 with Liam Sebastien whose run-a-ball unbeaten 33 proved invaluable to the Windwards’ fortunes.
Barbados, fighting to stave off elimination, were in with a chance with 40 required from the last four overs but pacers Tino Best and Javon Searles gave up expensive overs to seal their side’s fate.
The triumph carried the Windwards to 12 points alongside Guyana.
Barbados, meanwhile, slumped to their fourth loss on the trot, ending their already slim hopes of advancing. Choosing to bat first, they produced perhaps their best showing of the tournament as Kyle Mayers struck 37 and Shamarh Brooks, 21, to raise a decent total of 140 for seven off 20 overs.
Off-spinner Shane Shillingford (2-29) and medium pacer Sammy (2-33) finished with two wickets apiece.
