By: Ryan Bachoo
T&T’s Regional Under-17 title defence started with a convincing five-wicket win over Barbados yesterday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. First it was a joint effort by the bowlers to dismiss the visitors for 169 then the batsmen took on the responsibility of chasing the runs.
Such was the struggle for the Barbadians, Jonlhi Jordan top scored with just 33 runs. The second highest score was 30 by opener Nico Reifer. Almost of all T&T’s bowlers chipped in with two wickets. Avinash Mahabirsingh grabbed two wickets for 36 runs while Nicholas Ali, Sameer Ali and Leonardo Francis also had two wickets each.
In response, T&T’s batsmen got off to a rough start. They found themselves 32 for two just after ten overs. However, Leonardo Julien and Mahabirsingh both combined to steady the hosts and initiate a victory. Both men scored 41. Julien’s knock entailed six boundaries and a six and came from 43 balls. Mahabirsingh on the other hand was more patient and unbeaten, stroking five fours and a six.
Ramon Simmonds was the pick of the Barbados bowlers with figures of two for 26. T&T got to 170 for five in 43.3 overs to seal the victory. The Windward Islands also won today, beating Guyana by 20 runs. The Leeward Islands defeated Jamaica by 5 wickets.
The hosts next play Jamaica on Thursday at Gilbert Park from 9:30am. Also in the second round, the Windward Islands take on Barbados at NCC while the Leewards face Guyana at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
(Sourced Information) – Cricket West Indies
