GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

WEST INDIES all-rounder Dwayne Smith hit a crucial half-century on his return as Barbados beat Guyana by six wickets to seal a berth in the semi-finals of the KFC Cup at Bourda yesterday.

In his first match since returning from the West Indies tour of India, Smith stroked 54 from 67 balls with four fours and two sixes to guide Barbados to 244 for four off 47.2 overs.

It overhauled Guyana's 241 for eight after the hosts were asked to bat in a game reduced to 48 overs because of early morning rain.

Captain Ryan Hinds, voted Man of the Match, scored an important, unbeaten 36 from 45 balls at the end in a 78-run, unbroken fifth wicket stand with Alcindo Holder, who finished on 38 from 37 balls.

Despite the loss, Guyana still qualified for the semi-finals after Jamaica went down to Trinidad and Tobago in their encounter at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

Barbados will now meet the Windward Islands while T&T clash with Guyana in next week's semi-finals in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Scores: GUYANA 241-8 off 48 overs (Shivnarine Chanderpaul 51 not out, Royston Crandon 42, Narsingh Deonarine 35; Corey Collymore 2-48, Fidel Edwards 2-33).

BARBADOS 244-4 off 47.2 overs (Dwayne Smith 54, Dale Richards 44, Alcindo Holder 38 not out, Ryan Hinds 36 not out, Floyd Reifer 29, Wayne Blackman 27; Mahendra Nagamootoo 2-62).Scores: LEEWARDS 203 off 49.3 overs (Austin Richards Jr 46, Runako Morton 28, Sylvester Joseph 27, Jason Williams 27 not out; Denis George 5-39, Mervyn Matthew 2-4).WINDWARDS 206-4 off 42.4 overs (Andre Fletcher 85, Devon Smith 53, Darren Sammy 28 not out; Justin Athanaze 2-24).