Captain Travis Dowlin hit an even half-century but could not prevent a Guyana batting collapse on the opening day of their first round WICB Four-day Regional match against Windward Islands yesterday.

Dowlin stroked seven fours in a patient knock as Guyana, batting first after winning the toss, collapsed to 172 all out at the Grenada National Stadium.

At the close, the Windwards had navigated their way safely to 20 without loss.

The right-handed Dowlin was needed after Guyana found themselves in trouble against the off-spin of Shane Shillingford (4-43) and the medium pace of Darren Sammy (2-20).

He faced 116 balls and batted a shade over four hours in a valiant attempt to hold the innings together after watching his side slip to 107 for six.

Dowlin shared a crucial seventh wicket stand of 52 with Esuan Crandon who scored 26 off 83 balls, in 205 minutes with two fours. However, Guyana lost their last four wickets for just 13 runs to waste the good work put in by the duo.

Earlier, Krishna Arjune (4) fell early with the score on four but Shemroy Barrington (20) and Leon Johnson (21) repaired the damage with a 44-run second wicket stand.

Wickets fell steadily, however, and only Narsingh Deonarine, who hit 25 off 67 balls, showed any resistance before he, too, wasted a good start.