Large audience for World Twenty20, says CMC

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

An audience of more than two million people has been glued to Caribbean radio and television sets as they followed the ICC World Twenty20 Championship, according to an estimate by regional host broadcaster, the Caribbean Media Corporation.

"Over 15 days of cricket involving 30 events have been broadcast to viewers and listeners in 22 countries via two dozen radio and television stations across the region," said CMC spokesman Dominic Beaubrun. "This represents over 100 hours of first-rate international cricket.

"Cricket is a key ingredient in the cultural glue that has kept our region together for decades," Beaubrun added.

"Thanks to our long-standing partnership with two important institutions, the West Indies Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council through its rights holders, CMC has been able to live up to its core mission of contributing to Caribbean integration through communication."

West Indies 'A' win again

DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC):

Left-handers Darren Bravo and Devon Smith stroked contrasting half-centuries to pilot West Indies 'A' to an uncomplicated six-wicket win over Bangladesh 'A' on Wednesday, their fourth win on the trot in the Tri-Nation Limited Overs Series.

Chasing Bangladesh's 203 made off 49.5 overs, West Indies 'A' overhauled their target in 37.1 overs to reach the final, where they will clash with South Africa 'A' this weekend.

The stylish Bravo carved out a handsome, unbeaten 62 which underpinned the West Indies run chase, while Smith got the innings away to a flyer with a superb 63 from just 36 balls.

Earlier, Bangladesh had been undermined by fast bowlers Gavin Tonge (4-37) and Nelon Pascal (3-43) after they won the toss and chose to bat.

Faisal Hossain top scored with 93 to hold the innings together while Marshall Ayub supported with 35.