Smith, Deonarine take WI Legends to Road Safety World Series semi-final

Dwayne Smith turned in a brilliant all-round performance and Narsingh Deonarine cracked an unbeaten fifty to lead West Indies Legends to an exciting five-wicket win over England Legends in the Road Safety World Series.

The victory secured the Brian Lara-led Caribbean side a semi-final spot against hosts India on Wednesday in Raipur.

Sri Lanka and South Africa will contest the second semi-final on Thursday at the same venue, with the winners clashing in Sunday’s championship game in Mumbai.

Batting first, England Legends posted a formidable 186-3 with medium-pacer Smith picking up 2-31 and fellow Bajan, left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn 1-32.

Opener Phil Mustard topscored with England with 57 off 41 (5x4s, 3x6s), Owais Shah made an unbeaten 53 off 30 (5x4s, 3x6s) and skipper Kevin Pietersen 38 off 24 (2x4s, 3x6s).

West Indies got to the target off the last ball of the match, replying with 187-5. Smith led the way with 58 off 31 (9x4s, 2x6s) and Deonarine batted to the end on 53* off 37 (6x4s). Kirk Edwards made 34 off 26 (4x4s, 1×6).

Bowling for England Legends, James Tredwell took 2-35 and Chris Tremlett 2-37.

West Indies and England both finished on 12 points, garnered from their three wins each from six matches, but the Caribbean side qualified on net run rate.

India and Sri Lanka occupied the top two positions with 20 points apiece, losing just one game each, while South Africa finished third on 16 points.

Bangladesh, who won just a solitary game, ended on four points, while Australia Legends lost all six of their games and finished in the cellar spot without a point.