The MASQUERADERS defeated the Flamingos by four wickets in a thrilling contest on Monday to lift the first Under-16 Cup sponsored by the Sports and Culture Fund, organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first in overcast conditions, the Flamingos were soon reduced to 24 for five in eight overs and two balls as the Masqueraders took advantage of the grass wicket at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba.
However, they staged a recovery to be all out for 120 for six in 38.4 overs. And after a few stumbles, their Masqueraders cruised to victory finishing on 120 for six in 33.4 overs.
Fareez Ali, the captain of the winning side emerged Man of the Match for his four-wicket haul for 16 runs (6.4 overs) while all-rounder Alexander Chase won the Best Batsman award for his fighting knock of 47 which he kept Flamingos. in Game.
Also performing brilliantly with the ball for the Masqueraders was Varisht Ramdeen who took three for 21 in seven overs and Dominic Redhead with two for 21 in six overs.
Flamingos were also indebted to Aadian Racha, whose patient 37 in a 74-run sixth-wicket partnership with Chase brought some respectability to the innings.
In their chase, the Masqueraders started losing their first wickets positively on 27 but were soon reduced to 43 for four as Ali hit a double. Both Flamingo shots were caught in the back of the net by Naill Maingot.
Thomas Walsh also returned opener Samir Saroop for 27 and two runs gave the Flamingos a glimmer of hope with the Masqueraders in a bit of trouble at 80 for five.
But Ali and ‘Player of the Tournament’ Maleek Lewis (42) scored 37 to take their team within striking distance of the victory target.
On hand to help hand out the awards were officials representing the Sports and Culture Fund, including Rose Marie Richardson, Cheryl Phillip and Ann Marie Richardson Abraham, principal of Princes Town East High School.
Honor Roll:
BEST BATSMAN: Alexander Chase (Flamingos)
BEST CULTURE: Fareez Ali (Masqueraders)
BEST CAMPAIGN: Luke Ali (Flamingos)
MAN OF THE MATCH: Fareez Ali (Masqueraders)
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Maleek Jamal Lewis (Masqueraders)
WINNER: Masqueraders
Runner-up: Flamingo
