(CMC) – Joshua Da Silva’s half-century went in vain as West Indies A plunged to a 44-run defeat to Bangladesh A, in their second 50-over match at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground yesterday.
Asked to chase a challenging 278 for victory, the hosts could only muster 233 for nine off their allotted overs, with Captain Da Silva top-scoring with 68 off 80 balls.
West Indies A looked on course to overhaul their target when they reached 155 for two in the 34th over but they lost seven wickets for 78 runs to find their chase derailed.
Opener Mohammad Naim had earlier stroked a superb 103 off 116 deliveries as Bangladesh A gathered 277 for six off their 50 overs after being sent in.
The left-handed Naim struck 14 fours and a six, posting 57 for the second wicket with Saif Hassan (19) and a further 93 for the third wicket with Mohammad Mithum who made 28.
When Naim eventually perished in the 33rd over, Sabbir Rahman picked up the mantle, slamming a brisk 62 off 58 balls with half-dozen fours and a six. He added 69 for the fifth wicket with Shahadat Hossain (24) and 43 for the sixth wicket with Zaker Ali Anik (18 not out).
Da Silva then led West Indies’ initial strong reply, lashing eight fours as he mounted a 94-run first wicket stand with Tagenarine Chanderpaul whose 38 required 60 balls.
Once the pair were separated, Teddy Bishop punched 31 off 43 balls at number three but was part of a middle order collapse which saw five wickets tumble for ten runs, leaving the innings in turmoil at 165 for seven at the start of the 38th over.
Bryan Charles countered with an unbeaten 32 off 38 balls at number eight but the effort came far too late to save the hosts. The three-match series is tied 1-1.
