KANDY, Sri Lanka, CMC:ANTIGUAN SYLVESTER Joseph yesterday stroked a vital unbeaten half century and led West Indies to a two-wicket victory over a Kandy XI in a warm-up match for the Indian Oil Tri-Nation series that starts this weekend.
Batting first, the Kandy XI scored 129 for eight off 30 overs and West Indies replied with 131 for eight off 28.2 overs in the rain-shortened match at the Asgiriya International Stadium.
It was the first win on the tour for the West Indies, who were beaten 2-0 by Sri Lanka in the Test series and drew a two-day tour opening match early this month.
Joseph stroked 53 not out off 62 balls with six fours and a six to lead the West Indies batting that continued to struggle on the tour.
The tourists plunged to eight for three when captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul (0), Runako Morton (1), and Ryan Ramdass (2) all fell cheaply.
Joseph and Ricardo Powell, who was not picked for the Test series and joined the squad last weekend for the one-dayers, added 41 for the fourth wicket before Powell was bowled for 13.
Hard-hitting Dwayne Smith joined Joseph in a 51-run partnership that invigorated the Windies' innings and pushed them toward victory after they had wobbled to 49 for five.
Smith hit 27 off 27 balls, with one six and two fours and after losing Denesh Ramdin and Deighton Butler, both without scoring, Joseph and Tino Best stayed together to secure the victory.
When the Kandy XI had batted, Best had rocked their batting with three for 14, supported by Runako Morton (2-37), Kerry Jeremy (2-24) and Deighton Butler (1-19).
Arosha Perera (30) and captain Chanaka Wijesinghe (28) were the top scorers for the home side.
West Indies play their first Indian Oil ODI match on Sunday against India at Dambulla, one day after India clash with host team Sri Lanka.
