Smith (5-31) scythes through Pride as Eagles soar high

Nial Smith produced a fantastic new ball spell as Guyana Harpy Eagles routed Barbados pride to record the only victory in the opening round of the West Indies Championship. Two-time defending champions Barbados Pride were dealt a in the comprehensive 183-run defeat at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, on Saturday afternoon.

Smith grabbed 5-31 from 10 overs, and the Pride, chasing 278 to win, were bowled out for 94 in their second innings shortly before tea on the final day. It was the third lowest total for Barbados against Guyana in the modern era of the Championship (1966 onwards).

Scorecard: https://www.windiescricket.com/matches/215143/#scorecard

The Bajans endured an early setback when left-handed opener Shayne Moseley was caught behind for a “duck” off Smith in the second over, and they were wobbling on 9-2, when pacer Shamar Joseph trapped Zachary McCaskie trapped leg-before for four in the next over.

Pride were 11-2, and Beaton and Permaul combined to carve up their middle order, ensuring there was to be no comeback story. Smith returned to clean up the tail and formalised the result when he got Keon Harding caught at gully for seven, and two balls later, he bowled newcomer Jair McAllister for four to end the match. Newcomer Jonathan Drakes, batting at three, was the topcorer with 36, while Akeem Jordan made 20 at number eight.

In the second round, starting Wednesday, Guyana travel to Grenada to face Windward Islands Volcanoes, while Barbados take on Jamaica Scorpions at Coolidge Cricket Ground.