West Indies A take T-20 series 1-0

West Indies A defeated their Sri Lankan counterparts 1-0 in the T-20 two – match series which ended here at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Wednesday .{{more}}

After the first match was rained out on Tuesday, with just three balls possible, the skies held, allowing the two teams maximum time.

The host fielded a relatively strong team, inclusive of several players who have represented the senior team in T-20 internationals, versus their less experienced opponents.

And, when play was called on Wednesday at 2 pm, the hosts quickly dismantled the Sri Lankans for 81 off 18.1 overs, after winning the toss and sending the visitors into bat.

The Sri Lankans were at one stage 31 for 5, but their innings was stitched up by the lower batsmen.

Off-spinner Ashley Nurse snared 3 for 15 and seamer Kevon Cooper 2 for 17, were the leading bowlers for West Indies A.

Then it was the seasoned opening batsman Lendl Simmons who gave the small, but appreciative gathering at the venue something to cheer about.

The right-handed Simmons, who was part of the West Indies team which lifted the World T-20 title last October in Sri Lanka, hit 51 not out to pilot West Indies A to 83 for 5 in just 11.4 overs.

Simmons’ knock came off 42 balls and included five sixes and three fours.

Setting the early fireworks was Captain Dwayne Smith, who opened with Simmons.

Smith, who was also a member of that victorious West Indies team, contributed 14 – two fours and a six, but perished on the next ball.

And, as if the West Indies wanted to make a match of it, Nkrumah Bonner, Chadwick Walton, Chris Barnwell and Andre Russell all fell to injudicious strokes, leaving Simmons to perform his pyrotechnics.

It was a rainy time for both sides here, as the four-day unofficial test ended in a tame draw last Saturday, as significant time was lost in the match, because of the inclement weather, leaving the series tied 0-0.

Both teams move on to Grenada, where they will meet in another format – three 50-over matches at the Grenada National Stadium, with the first on Sunday. (RT)