Smith’s ton gives Windies ‘A’ crushing win over India ‘A’

NORTHAMPTON – Devon Smith plundered his second successive century as West Indies “A” crushed India “A” by 166 runs, in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Limited Overs series here yesterday.The left-hander carved out a brilliant 104 from 98 balls to fire the Caribbean side to 329 for six off their 50 overs after being sent in at the County Ground at Wantage Road.Leg-spinner Anthony Martin then snatched three for 47 and seamer Lionel Baker, two for 32, to send the Indians packing for 163 all out from 33.2 overs.Third on the trotThe victory was the third on the trot for the resurgent West Indies “A” who started the series slowly, but have now found their stride, following a clean sweep of the two-match One-Day series against Ireland in Belfast last week.Smith, who hit 114 against Ireland on Friday, again found an ally in André Fletcher who stroked 88, as the duo posted an uptempo 193 for the first wicket which put India “A” on the back foot from early.While the left-handed Smith stroked 14 fours, Fletcher hit 11 fours from just 93 balls as West Indies “A” tore into opening bowlers Sudeep Tyagi and the usually dangerous teenaged left-handed seamer Jaidev Unadkat.Fletcher’s dismissal triggered a slide which saw three wickets fall for 12 runs in the space of 15 balls, but all-rounder Kevin Stoute, who stroked an unbeaten 52 and Assad Fudadin (10) temporarily halted the collapse with a 34-run, fourth wicket stand. (CMC)