GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Oct 27, CMC — West Indies thrashed Colombia by a massive 377 runs in their final preliminary-round match of the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup at Albion ground, Berbice, on Tuesday, but the hosts still missed out on a semi-final place.
West Indies finished fifth on eight points after winning four of their six matches. Defending champions South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and England are the four teams advancing to the semi-finals.
West Indies will still have a chance to compete for the Bowl trophy and will meet the rest of the Caribbean in the Bowl/Plate qualifying round at Bourda on Wednesday.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, West Indies rattled up a huge 452-4 from their 45 overs. Colombia, in reply, folded for 75 in the 23rd over.
Former West Indies international opener Sewnarine Chattergoon led the way with a pugnacious 158 retired hurt. The left-hander struck 14 fours and four sixes during his 101-ball innings.
Chattergoon and fellow opener Randy Thomas shared a breathtaking 272-run stand before Thomas, the Barbadian, departed for 92.
Jason Mohammed made 81, Imran Khan contributed an exhilarating 19-ball 50, and local boy Narsingh Deonarine added 23.
When Colombia batted, Abhas Srivastava offered some resistance with 43, but leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo led the demolition with 3-17 from 4.4 overs.
Pacer Trevor Benn and Khan also played key roles with two wickets each.
Colombia remained winless in the 15-team tournament, which concludes on Saturday with the final at Providence.
The first semi-final between England and Pakistan will be played Wednesday at Providence, while South Africa and Australia meet there the following day.
CMC la/26