Out-of-favour West Indies batsman Xavier Marshall struck an unbeaten 75 to lead Tamar Lambert’s XI to an eight-wicket win over David Bernard Jnr’s XI in yesterday’s national Twenty20 trial match at Kensington Park.

Scores: Bernard Jnr’s XI 158-5 (20 overs); Lambert’s XI 160-2 (19.3 overs).

Batting first, Bernard Jnr’s XI scored a challenging 158-5 off their allotted 20 overs, thanks to an aggressive 74 from left-handed opener Simon Jackson.

The in-form batsman clouted eight fours and two sixes from 63 deliveries. He was ably supported by middle-order batsman Andre McCarthy, who accumulated 49 not out from 33 balls.

Spinners Nkrumah Bonner and Howard Powell both ended with two wickets for 18 runs. Left-arm swing bowler Krishmar Santokie accounted for the other wicket to fall.

In reply, Marshall, who batted at number three, and swashbuckling opener Kenar Lewis (66), smashed the bowling to all parts in what turned out to be a relatively comfortable run chase.

Marshall faced 54 balls and hammered four boundaries and three sixes, while Lewis bludgeoned five fours and three sixes off 46 deliveries. Lambert ended on 11 not out.

Bowling for Bernard Jnr’s XI, Garth Garvey and Sheldon Cotterell took one wicket each.

The squad trains this afternoon at 1 o’clock at Sabina Park as it continues preparation for the Caribbean Twenty20 tournament next month.

The final 14-member squad for the tournament is expected to be announced after the session.