DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC) – Left-handed opener Devon Smith stroked a magnificent century but could not save West Indies A from a narrow five-run loss to South Africa A in the final of the Tri-Nations Limited Overs Series yesterday. The 28-year-old blasted 115 from 120 balls as West Indies fell short in their gallant attempt to reach the Proteas’ 328 for seven off 50 overs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium yesterday.
Earlier, Rilee Rossouw slammed an attacking 80 while opener Stiaan van Zyl stroked a measured 62, to propel South Africa A to their eventual total after they were sent in.
Off-spinner Shane Shillingford was the Windies A’s best bowler with two for 50 while fast bowler Nelon Pascal also captured a brace of wickets but bled 83 runs.
West Indies A got off to a poor start, slipping to 37 for two in the seventh over after captain Travis Dowlin (2) and Kirk Edwards (2) fell cheaply.
But Smith and the in-form Darren Bravo combined in a superb 156-run, third-wicket stand which hauled the Windies back into contention. While Smith stroked 11 fours, Bravo hit five in scoring 69 from 86 balls.
When Bravo fell in the in the 35th over, it sparked a mini collapse where the Windies lost three wickets for 41 runs to be 234 for five in the 42nd over.
Brendan Nash and Chadwick Walton then produced a courageous last-ditch effort that almost won West Indies the game.
The left-handed Nash, usually workman-like in his approach, stroked a busy, unbeaten 47 from just 43 balls with two fours while Walton smashed a pugnacious 64 from a mere 29 balls.
He clobbered six fours and three sixes but fell off the penultimate ball of the innings with the Windies still short of their total.
South Africa A’s strong batting display had left Windies A with much to do on a good batting track.
Rossouw’s 80 needed 64 balls and included nine fours and a six while van Zyl’s 62 was decorated with nine fours and came from 78 balls.
van Zyl and Morne van Wyk (35) posted 55 for the first wicket before van Zyl and Colin Imgram (41) put on 83 for the second wicket.
Both fell quickly in the space of two overs to leave South Africa A on 144 for three in the 28th but Rossouw and Ryan Bailey (37) added a further 71 for the fourth wicket to keep the innings together.
David Miller’s 23 from 14 balls helped Rossouw add another 70 for the fifth wicket as the Proteas finished strong.