West Indies slip in high-scoring warm-up

The Cape Cobras upstaged the West Indians with a three-wicket win in a high-scoring warm-up game at the Markotter Stadium in Klerkdorp. The tourists posted 327 for 7 and looked set to start their tour with a win when the hosts were struggling at 128 for 5, but Richard Levi (84), Bryan Canning (71*), and Andrew Puttick (52) turned things around.

West Indies were powered by half-centuries from Devon Smith, Kieran Powell and Chadwick Walton. Powell hit a brisk 62 off 53 balls with eight fours and two sixes and shared a second-wicket stand of 79 with Smith. Walton, batting at No.6, also had a good hit in the middle, smashing and unbeaten 69 from 62 balls with seven boundaries. Darren Sammy also found his touch, crashing a fiery 31 from just 14 balls. Smith, the top scorer, hit nine boundaries before being dismissed in the final Powerplay for 80 (off 118 balls) as he tried to accelerate the run-rate.

The Cobras stumbled in their reply when Kemar Roach claimed two wickets in his first three overs. They stuttered and recovered splendidly to win with two balls to spare.

West Indies will play their next warm-up match on Monday against North West Dragons in the suburb of Witrand.