The Nagico Super50 in the West Indies started off with batsmen dominating the proceedings. Barbados defeated Trinidad and Tobago by 28 runs at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad after a swashbuckling innings by Jonathan Carter of 109 from 111 balls with nine fours and five massive sixes and shared in a partnership of 103 runs with who scored 83 runs from 12 balls with 10 fours and three sixes.
Barbados scored 269 for 8 in 45 overs after rain delayed the start of the game causing the overs to be less. Wicketkeeper batsman Shane Dowrich shared in a partnership of 91 runs with Jonathan Carter. The Trinidad and Tobago squad was bowled out for 241 runs in 43.3 overs. Denesh Ramdin scored 48 not out, Darren Bravo 40, Jonathan Mohammed 32 and Lendl Simmons 37.
Left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn 4 wickets for 23 runs and pacer Jason Holder 2 wickets for 23 runs were the main wicket takers for Barbados. Rayad Emrit picked up 4 wickets for 51 runs from 9 overs for Trinidad and Tobago.
Guyana defeated Ireland, Jamaica defeated both Ireland and last year’s champion Windward Islands. Combined Colleges and Campuses defeated the Leeward Islands in zone “B.”
Zone “A” comprises Jamaica, Guyana, Windward Islands and Ireland. Zone “B” comprises Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Combined Colleges and Campuses and the Leeward Islands.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, BARBADOS CARRY ALLROUND STRENGTH
Undoubtedly Trinidad and Tobago is about the strongest team on paper with about 10 players who have represented the West Indies. Barbados defeated Trinidad and Tobago in group “B” but look out for a rebound from the strong Trinidad and Tobago squad including Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul and Rayad Emrit, which may lead them not only in the semi-finals but in the finals.
Barbados has a unique squad with a variety of bowlers and power hitters. Apart from Dwayne Smith and Jonathan Carter, the Barbados team includes such players as wicketkeeper batsman Shane Dowrich and Ashley Nurse with the experience of working the ball around. The advantage Barbados has is in their batting depth with batsmen going all the way down in the order.
West Indies selectors should be keen on the performances of the tournament and use same as a criteria for the selection of the West Indies team.
Note: Sunil Narine has returned home and has joined the Trinidad and Tobago squad after playing cricket in South Africa. He missed the first game aganst Barbados.
