Windwards fall apart against Jamaica

The inevitable happened, as the porous Windwards’ batting succumbed to Jamaica by 91 runs within three days at the Grenada National Stadium, as the team recorded their first loss in four matches in the West Indies Cricket Board four-day regional cricket competition..{{more}}

After chalking up three wins on the trot, and perching at the top of the table, the Windwards came face to face with familiar territory, as they were bowled out for 83, in search of 175.

Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller webbed their batting, as he grabbed 7 for 30 and Odean Brown collected 3 for 17. It was Miller’s twelfth wicket. Only Tyrone Theophile with 20, showed any resistance.

But the Windwards were given a lifeline in Jamaica’s second innings, as Darren Sammy – 4 for 20, Shane Shillingford – 4 for 45 and Dellorn Johnson – 2 for 21, conjured up their varying bowling styles to dismiss the reigning champions for 97. Odean Brown hit a top score of 27.

The Jamaicans, who chose to bat first, were put on the ropes by the Windwards’ bowling and were at one point 66 for 6.

Nikita Miller with 55 and David Bernard Jr with 52 revived the innings with a 104-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Shane Shillingford, 4 for 74 and Darren Sammy, 3 for 28, were the Windwards’ top bowlers.

Windwards’ openers Devon Smith — 49 and Johnson Charles — 30, put on 59 for the first wickets, but no one else, except Dalton Polius with 17, reached double figures, as the Windwards folded for 130.

Odean Brown picked up 5 for 31; Nikita Miller — 2 for 16 and Tamar Lambert — 2 for 26, saw Jamaica establish a lead of 77.

Then, the same happened in the Super-50 series on Monday, as the Jamaicans romped to an easy 78-run triumph.

Jamaica batted first and compiled 229 for 9 from their maximum 50 overs. Danza Hyatt hit 59 and Nkrumah Bonner — 39. Nellon Pascal was the most successful bowler for the Windwards, as he took 3 for 57.

In reply, the Windwards were dismissed for 151 in 38. 4 overs. Liam Sebastian was the top scorer with 37.

Tamar Lambert and Nikita Miller, both grabbed 2 for 23 and David Bernard Jr took 2 for 26.

The Windwards have won two and lost two in the Super50 series. (RT)