FOUR-DAY: Nial Smith spearheads Harpy Eagles’ nervy 33-run triumph

Nial Smith’s late afternoon burst, along with spinners Veerasammy Permaul Gudakesh Motie, led the Guyana Harpy Eagles to a nervy 33-run win over Barbados Pride in round four of the West Indies Four-Day Championship at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua.

Smith bagged 4-87 in the raging spelling of fast bowling with the second new-ball after Jason Holder and Jomel Warrican threatened to pull off a stunning victory for Pride.

The duo produced a frustrating rearguard stand of 84 for the seventh wicket, but Smith trapped Holder leg before for a well-composed 76 (7x4s; 3x6s) from 138 balls, which swung the momentum back to the Eagles.

Smith then bowled Chemar Holder and dismissed Jair McAlister, triggering jubilant celebrations as the Eagles secured their second consecutive win to stay in the title race.

Warrican was left stranded on 40 (7x4s) from 101 balls.

Pride started the final day 31-0 in pursuit of an improbable 343 and quickly lost captain Kraigg Brathwaite for 28, but opening partner and Test selectee Zachary McCaskie carved out a solid 87 (13x4s) from 103 balls.

Permaul, who started the slide, bagged 3-66, while Motie got 3-71, as Smith ended with a match haul of 7-141 from 25.5 overs.

The defending champions remain in Antigua to face Windward Volcanoes at Coolidge from March 20.

FULL SCORECARD: https://matchcentre.windiescricket.com/match/ad745837-12aa-403a-b1c2-00dcc177ce85/scorecard