JOSEPH

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

West Indies A produced a solid allround game and whipped Sri Lanka A by 53 runs in their second unofficial One-Day International (ODI) cricket match at Warner Park yesterday.

After piling up a challenging 237 for six off 37 overs in the rain-reduced game, the West Indies reserves stifled the visitors to 184 for seven off their 37 overs for a handsome victory that avenged Friday's opening game loss.

Horrible start

Chasing 238 to win, the Sri Lankans made a horrible start and plunged into serious trouble at three wickets for two runs - pressured by a three-wicket burst from fast bowlers Gavin Tonge and Andrew Richardson.

Earlier, the West Indies reserves got a solid start from their left-handed openers Devon Smith and Austin Richards Jnr. after they were sent in to bat. The pair put on 64 runs before Richards gave a return catch to off-spinner Arnold.

Arnold also bowled Smith at 82 for two, after the Grenadian hit 34 with three fours and six over mid-wicket off the leg-spinner Lokuarachchi.

Joseph and Travis Dowlin linked up for an innings-best 64-run third wicket stand that frustrated the Sri Lankans. Joseph, coming off a solid 86 in Friday's opening game, led his team's batting again with a top-score of 45.

Both teams travel today for the third game in the series in St. Lucia on Wednesday.