SPORTS
Jonathan Ramnansingh
HUMMINGBIRDS advanced to Saturday’s Namalco U23 Cup final after registering a 61-run win over Flamingos in their last preliminary round match at Inshan Ali Park, Preysal, on Wednesday.
In the other contest at the National Cricket Center in Couva, a powerful and unbeaten knock of 108 runs by Joshua James led the Masqueraders to a 23-run triumph over the Scarlet Ibis to seal their first win of the tournament.
That result, however, rattled the standings and as of press time Wednesday, it was unclear which team would join the Hummingbirds in the title game.
This comes as the Masqueraders and Flamingos share the same winning record in the U23 Cup. Both teams have one win and one loss and their opener against each other was abandoned due to a wet pitch.
As of press time last night, match officials were still calculating which team possessed the fastest net rate. The top team meets the Hummingbirds in the final.
At Preysal, the Hummingbirds were sent to bat and dismissed for 259 in 49.4 overs. They batted well, with Antonio Gomez (68) top scoring and assisted by captain Cephas Cooper (52), Mbeki Joseph (26) and Kyle Roopchand and Nicholas Ali, who both scored 25 each.
Flamingos’ Justin Manick (3/35), captain Matthew Patrick (2/36) and Sameer Ali (2/41) led the wickets.
In reply, Aaron Bankay (87) and Patrick (43) looked good with the bat but their efforts were in vain as Flamingo lost the last seven wickets for just 17 runs as they capitulated for 198 in 41.3 overs.
Hummingbirds’ Justyn Gangoo (3/36) and Avinash Mahabirsingh (2/50) were the pick of the bowlers.
At the NCC, James hit six sixes and seven fours in his unbeaten knock of 108 off 98 balls to guide the Masqueraders to a decisive four-wicket win over the Scarlet Ibis.
Batting first, Scarlet Ibis also scored 259 from 50 overs with Nathaniel Mc David (82) and Anderson Mahase (62) leading the charge.
Masqueraders’ Chadeon Raymond (4/49) and Joshua Dookie (2/33) did most of the damage with the ball.
On their side at the crease, opener Leon Bassano scored a strong 74. In partnership with James’ century and an unbeaten 25 from Raymond, the Masqueraders cruised to a 262/6 after 47 overs to seal their maiden victory.
For Scarlet Ibis, Shazad Mohammed (3/40) and Rivaldo Ramlogan (2/54) led the bowling.
The final cup takes place at NCC from 9.30am on Saturday.
