Jamaicans advance to International Shield final

GEORGETOWN: Jamaica yesterday advanced to the Carib Beer International Shield cricket final by gaining first innings points from defending champions Guyana. The match ended in a draw.

Jamaica face Barbados in the final, which begins tomorrow. Guyana, resuming on their overnight first innings 316 for four, fell for 462 before tea on the final day, conceding first innings by 24 runs. The loss came despite centuries from West Indies captain Carl Hooper, who made 130 not out, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who slammed 109. Jamaica, batting a second time, were 78 for five when play was called off.

Guyana was 395 for eight at lunch, still requiring a further 92 runs to overhaul Jamaica’s declared 486 for seven. Hooper, who resumed on 49, was undefeated on 95. Chanderpaul, who was 96 not out overnight, reached his second straight century at the Albion Cricket Ground, before he was out leg-before-wicket to fast bowler Jermaine Lawson with the score on 351. Chanderpaul’s dismissal ended a fifth wicket partnership of 137 with Hooper. His innings included 15 fours in 262 minutes off 196 deliveries. Hooper was named “Man-of-the-Match.”