Windies A stutter to win over England Lions
West Indies A nearly squandered what should have been an easy win over their England rivals, losing a hatful of wickets before limping over the line, to win the opening four-day ‘Test’ yesterday.
Resuming at the Trelawny MultiPurpose Stadium on 31 for one with a mere 75 runs required for victory, the hosts made their way safely to 51 without further loss before suffering a sudden capitulation to lose seven wickets for 47 runs.
Suddenly tottering on 98 for eight and with defeat a real possibility, Windies A were rescued by all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall, who held his nerve to end on 14 not out and see them to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Captain Kieran Powell, unbeaten on 16 overnight, top-scored with 30, and while Vishaul Singh (18) and Shamarh Brooks (16) got starts, they failed to carry on, leaving the innings com- promised.
FIVE WICKETS
Brooks and Vishaul put on 23 for the fourth wicket, which took Windies A to 80 for three, but their dismissals triggered a slide that saw five wickets fall for 18 runs.
Left-arm spinner Jack Leach was the main destroyer, adding four wickets to his one from overnight to end with five for 26, while leg-spinner Liam Livingstone picked up two for 55.
Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was named Man of the Match for his eight-wicket match haul and unbeaten 71, batting at number 10 in the first innings.
The second ‘Test’ bowls Sunday at Sabina Park. off on