Jamaica, Windward qualify for semifinals

Jamaica suffered a 17-run defeat to Windward Islands in their final Group ‘A’ preliminary round game of the Caribbean 20/20 Championship at Kensington Oval in Barbados last night but still booked their spot in the semi-finals.



The Jamaicans advanced, finishing second on eight points courtesy of a superior net run rate ahead of defending champions Guyana and English County Somerset, who all ended on eight points.



Windward Islands qualified as group winners with 12 points.



Jamaica, set a victory target of 166, ended on 148 for five off their allotted 20 overs with captain Wavell Hinds topscoring with 54 from 49 deliveries. Marlon Samuels supported well with 53 from 39 balls.



Earlier, Windward Islands piled up 168 for five with Devon Smith 58 not out and Keddy Lesporis 50 scoring most runs.



Krishmar Santokie was the best bowler for Jamaica with three for 29, while Jerome Taylor had two for 32.



In the other Group ‘A’ match earlier, Somerset capitalised on a poor display from Combined Campuses and Colleges to carve out a 42-run win.



Choosing to bat first, Somerset were propelled to 165 for four by James Hildreth who stroked an unbeaten 69 and Nick Compton who got 44.



Combined Campuses and Colleges were restricted to 117 for seven from their allotted overs.



Group ‘B’ qualifiers will be decided today following the final set of matches at Kensington Oval. Canada and Leeward Islands will face off in a game of academic interest at 4 p.m., while leaders Trinidad and Tobago will play third place Barbados at 8 p.m.