Smith walks away with Single Wicket crown

DWAYNE SMITH walked away with the Caribbean Single Wicket cricket tournament crown on Sunday evening, at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground, University of the West Indies (UWI) campus in St Augustine.

A total of 12 all-rounders featured in the day’s competition, but the Barbadian Smith, who was recently named as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the Champions League T20 tournament in India with champions Mumbai Indians, continued his fine form with victory over Guyana’s Christopher Barnwell, by 46 runs to 11, in the two-over-per-bowler final. In the semi-finals, Smith defeated Trinidad and Tobago’s Navin Stewart 16-11 while Barnwell got past former champion Lendl Simmons 35-32.

The 30-year-old walked away with the winners’ cheque of US$3,000, and he also claimed prizes for the Most Runs (131) and Most Sixes (14).

Stewart was named as the Best Bowler, having claimed four wickets for 29 runs in six overs.

Under tournament rules, each batsman was allowed a runner (from UWI) while other UWI students served as outfielders and wicket-keepers.

Concerning how it felt to win the Single Wicket title, Smith said, “It feels good. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever played this cricket.

“I came here with an open mind because I didn’t really know how the rules are but it’s a good tournament and I hope that they could continue to progress and make it a bigger tournament, mainly a worldwide tournament.”

Asked was it tough for him to adapt to the format or he took things in stride, Smith replied, “I don’t think so because they must tell you the rules anyway but it was just to come here and be consistent, and try to be the best that I can.”

He is keen on defending his title but “providing I have the time to play, if I don’t have other commitments, definitely I’ll play it again because it’s a lot of fun.

Reflecting on his Champions League experience, Smith noted, “It’s a very good tournament because you can look at people from here, they can go on and play in the IPL (Indian Premier League). I’m sure that a lot of the youngsters from Trinidad got chances now to probably get into teams.”

He continued, “it was very good. The expectations were very high and we were at a bit of trouble at the beginning but fortunately we got a good chance and we took it, and we went on from there.

“But it was a good tournament and I love playing in (India).”

Smith has been in and out of the West Indies team for the past decade, and has not given

up hope of reclaiming a spot on the regional team.

“My thing is whatever tournament I can go to, sanctioned by the ICC, make sure I just go out there and be consistent and have good scores, and ensure I can force myself back. If I don’t, well so be it but I’m going to try to be the best I can,” he ended.