SPORTS
Jonathan Ramnansingh
The final round of the Namalco Construction Services Ltd U-23 Cup takes place on Wednesday and will determine which two teams advance to Saturday’s title match. It’s all to play for, for either team, as neither was able to register back-to-back wins after the opening two rounds of matches.
Wednesday’s final preliminary round matches see the Hummingbirds play the Flamingos at the Inshan Ali Ground, Preysal, while the Scarlet Ibis meet the Masqueraders at the National Cricket Center (NCC) in Balmain, Couva. Both are released from 9.30.
The winner of the Hummingbirds/Flamingos contest will advance to Saturday’s title game, while the Scarlet Ibis must better the Masqueraders if they are to qualify. The Scarlet Ibis also have a win and a loss, while the Masqueraders are still one win away from the tournament so far.
A statement released by the TT Cricket Board (TTCB) on Thursday said the U23 Cup gives these cricketers their last chance to approach the national selectors headed by Red Force coach David Furlonge before the team selected for 2023 Cricket West Indies Regional 4- Day Tour.
It is also being used as a platform to discover and develop new talent and develop current talent and aims to help transition these players to an elite level.
A four-wicket haul by Scarlet Ibis’ Sion Hackett in their opening game has already earned the Eastern Zone youngster a selection in the 14-man North squad named for the North v South Classic, which starts on January 12.
With three matches remaining in the U23 Cup, the youngsters will be playing to further impress the selectors as they all look for coveted spots in the zonal selection and possibly, selection for the senior national teams.
Saturday’s final begins at NCC.
