Champs Barbados reach Carib final

BRIDGETOWN: Red-hot Barbados just missed out on an eighth successive victory yesterday against Guyana, but still ensured their advance to the final as their Carib Beer International Challenge cricket semi-final ended in a draw. Defending champions Barbados sniffed victory when they claimed four wickets for 14 runs in the final session. But Guyana limped to safety at 148 for eight as time ran out on the home team. Opener Ryan Ramdass top-scored with 60. Medium pacer Dwayne Smith followed his crucial century with a career-best four for 46 to lead Barbados’ effort. Paceman Fidel Edwards supported with three for 34.

Earlier, the Barbadians stretched their first-innings lead to 85, carrying their overnight 367 for eight to 395 all out. Left-hander Ian Bradshaw compiled an unbeaten 50 off 133 balls. Leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo claimed both wickets to end with five for 116 off 47.2 overs. Guyana seemed certain to condemn the match to a draw when openers Ramdass and Narsingh Deonarine added 43 for the first wicket.

Summarised scores: GUYANA 310 - Ramnaresh Sarwan 121, Shivnarine Chanderpaul 81, Damodar Daesrath 51, Pedro Collins 4/85, Ian Bradshaw 2/43 and 148 for eight - Ryan Ramdass 60, Dwayne Smith 4/46, Fidel Edwards 3/34.
BARBADOS 395 — Dwayne Smith 114, Sherwin Campbell 91, Ryan Hinds 52, Ian Bradshaw 50 not out; Mahendra Nagamootoo 5/116, Damodar Daesrath 2/34.