Smith on fire in Caribbean Twenty20

Tue, Jan 17. 2012

Dwayne Smith’s superbly crafted 86 from 57 balls laid the foundation, before a clinical bowling and fielding display put the finishing touches on an emphatic Barbados victory over Jamaica,{{more}} in their key Caribbean Twenty20 cricket contest in Antigua, Saturday night.

Smith’s career-best was spiced with seven fours and six sixes and, even though there was a wobble in the middle order, Barbados’ total of 157-7 off 20 overs, on a sluggish Sir Vivian Richards Stadium pitch was hugely satisfying.

Jamaica’s pursuit never really got off the ground, as Tino Best produced a frenetic new ball burst that claimed two scalps.

Equally important in Jamaica’s demise was Alcindo Holder’s direct hit run out of West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels for a second first-ball duck in a row.

Jamaica were never able to recover from these early punches and faded meekly to 95 all out, off 16.5 overs, to lose by 62 runs.

Smith, confidence oozing through his body after a prolific New Year, was simply magnificent, a straighter bat now lending more consistency to his commanding stroke play.

After Barbados won the toss, it was captain Kirk Edwards who first broke free by launching Nikita Miller for a six over long on in the second over.

Smith soon hit the accelerator himself, spanking Krishmar Santokie’s left arm swing for two fours, the second of which scorched the grass, as it raced through the covers.

Miller eventually halted the opening stand at 20 midway through the fourth over, as Edwards got into a tangle trying to make room and could only spoon a catch to cover point.

Smith, though, found a level-headed ally in wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich and the pair shared a match-altering partnership of 85 in ten overs. (Barbados Nation)