KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent (CMC):

Windward Islands secured a place in the regional limited-overs final for the first time in seven years after completing a three-wicket victory over Barbados in their KFC Cup semi-final at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex yesterday.

Opener Devon Smith celebrated his selection to the West Indies team for the forthcoming World Cup with a responsible half-century that helped Windwards chase down a target of 156 that was achieved for the loss of seven wickets off 44.5 overs.

The left-handed Smith hit an unbeaten 75 off 107 balls to formalise a victory that was set up by Deighton Butler and Rawl Lewis. The pair shared seven wickets in helping restrict Barbados to 155 in 47.2 overs after they were sent in on a difficult batting pitch.

The surface played easier in the afternoon session and the Windwards were never in any trouble in their run-chase that was launched by a second wicket partnership of 42 between Smith and Andre Fletcher. The finishing touches came in a fifth wicket stand of 45 between Smith and Liam Sebastian (22).

First slip

Smith benefited from a low chance to Floyd Reifer at first slip when he was on 16 to strike five fours and a six and won the Man-of-the-Match award.

Windwards' victory earned them a place in the final against Trinidad and Tobago today and it will be their first final appearance since winning the regional limited-overs title in 2000.

When Barbados batted, Floyd Reifer hit a fighting top score of 42, but the new Carib Beer Cup champions never came to terms with a bowler-friendly pitch and were undone mainly by left-arm pacer Butler, who took four for 30 from 10 successive overs with the new ball.

In spite of two useful partnerships in the middle, Windwards still maintained the initiative with captain Lewis taking three for 29 from 9.2 overs.

SCOREBOARD

BARBADOS

D. Richards b Butler