A brilliant spell in the fading light at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua from Nial Smith, coupled with Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie’s 3-wicket performances, handed Guyana a 33-run win over the Barbados Pride.
In what turned out to be a thrilling fourth and final day of their fourth round West Indies Four-Day Championship encounter, Smith returned 4-87 in a burst of aggressive fast bowling with the second new-ball to quell Jason Holder and Jomel Warrican’s threatening rearguard partnership, after the duo put on 84 for the seventh wicket to put Barbados in touch of what would have been an outstanding comeback win.
Holder, an experienced campaigner at the highest level, made a solid 76 (4sx7; 6sx3) from 138 balls and was looking like he would take Barbados over the finish line; however, Smith had other plans and trapped Holder Leg Before Wicket (LBW) to spark the beginning of the end for the Bajans.
While Warrican was still there on 40 not out, Smith produced a delivery of the highest order to bowl Chemar Holder before having Jair McAlister out caught, which sparked wild celebrations as the Eagles secured their second consecutive win to give themselves a fighting chance of retaining their 4-day title. Warrican, for his efforts, was left stranded at 40.
Earlier in the day, Barbados Pride resumed their innings on 31 without loss in pursuit of what seemed like an unlikely target of 343. Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite quickly fell for 28, but his opening partner Zachary McCaskie produced an outstanding knock of 87 from 103 balls, which included seven fours, to take Barbados to a decent platform.
Despite Barbados looking rock solid, the experienced Permaul triggered the collapse, having Shian Brathwaite out caught for just 4 before bowling 1st inning centurion Jonathan Drakes for a duck. Motie snared 3-71 to make inroads into the Barbados middle order, paving the way for Smith’s late afternoon charge. While Smith had 4/87, Permaul returned figures of 3/66.
The Harpy Eagles’ next assignment will be the Windward Volcanoes at the same venue on March 20.
