Windies make merry against the Scots

The 24-year-old Hamilton has been a revelation in this tournament.

Originally, this Yorkshire professional who scored heavily and pouched a bagful of wickets in the county circuit that helped Yorkshire finish third, was in the 30-strong England squad. But England left him out of their 15-man team and the Scots grabbed him.

It was just as well, for otherwise Scotland’s performance in this World Cup would have been abysmal. Despite knowing the conditions better than most teams, they have done worse than even Bangladesh and Kenya. Save Hamilton, they would have been wrapped up for basketball half-time scores in each match.

Today wasno better. The group of amateurs, shored up by Hamilton, found the likes of Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Reon King and Hendry Bryan too good. They were all out for a mere 68 with only Hamilton (24 n.o. in 43 balls) showing some batting ability.

The West Indies, who already look like they have the ideal combination of four pacemen, one all rounder and six batsmen, experimented by opening the bowling with Phil Simmons. Even he found success by dismissing opener Mike Smith.

However, West Indies’ experiment with Simmons at the top of the batting met with lesser success as he was snaffled after making a mere seven. Stuart Williams, another batsman badly in need of a long stint in the middle was promoted in the order, but he was out first ball. Finally the old combine of Chanderpaul (30 n.o.) and Lara (25 n.o.) took the team to its easiest win in the tournament.

The West Indies now have six points after four matches. However, they have to await the clash between New Zealand and Pakistan (on Friday) andtheir own match against Australia (on Sunday) before confirming their entry into the Super Six.

If Pakistan beat Bangladesh (on Monday), but lose to the Kiwis they will finish with eight points. The same as the Kiwis (who only have to play Scotland on Monday). Then, West Indies must beat Australia. On the other hand, if Pakistan beat New Zealand on Friday, and even if the West Indies lose to Australia, the Calypso cricketers will advance.

By design or accident, the first stage of this World Cup (both groups) has been the most exciting thus far. Only the last set of matches will determine at least four of the six Super teams.

Group B: Scotland vs West Indies at Leicester

SCOTLAND

MJ Smith c Jacobs b Simmons 1 23 0/0
MJdeG Allingham c Jacobs b Ambrose 6 43 0/0
IM Stanger c Jacobs b Walsh 7 27 0/0
G Salmond c Jacobs b Ambrose 1 4 0/0
GM Hamilton not out 24 43 3/0
JG Williamson c Williams b Bryan 1 11 0/0
JE Brinkley c Simmons b Walsh 2 6 0/0
AG Davieslbw b Walsh 0 2 0/0
JAR Blain lbw b Bryan 3 21 0/0
Asim Butt c Williams b King 11 10 0/1
NR Dyer c Williams b King 0 2 0/0
Extras (w9, nb3) 12
Total (all out, 31.3 overs) 68
Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Smith, 5.6), 2-18 (Allingham, 14.2), 3-20 (Stanger, 15.5), 4-20 (Salmond, 16.2), 5-25 (Williamson, 20.3), 6-29 (Brinkley, 21.4), 7-29 (Davies, 21.6), 8-47 (Blain, 28.2), 9-67 (Asim Butt, 31.2), 10-68 (Dyer, 31.3).
Bowling: Ambrose 10-4-8-2 (1nb, 1w); Simmons 7-1-15-1 (4w); Walsh 7-1-7-3 (1nb, 1w); Bryan 6-0-29-2 (3w); King 1.3-0-9-2 (1nb).

WEST INDIES

PV Simmons c Stanger b Blain 7 15 1/0
S Chanderpaul not out 30 30 6/0
SC Williams lbw b Blain 0 1 0/0
BC Lara not out 25 17 3/1
Extras (lb2, w4, nb2) 8
Total (2 wickets, 10.1 overs) 70
Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Simmons, 4.5), 2-22 (Williams, 6.1).
Bowling: Blain 5.1-0-36-2 (1nb, 2w); Asim Butt 4-1-15-0 (1nb, 1w);Hamilton 1-0-17-0 (1w).

Result: West Indies won by eight wickets