SPORTS
Jonathan Ramnansingh
Zone A winners Trinidad and Tobago Red Force lock horns with Zone B runners-up Barbados Pride in the first semi-final of the CG United Insurance Super50 Cup at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Wednesday from 2pm.
Red Force captain Nicholas Pooran believes a total team effort will get them over the line against the Pride as they inch closer to potentially retaining the Super50 Cup title.
Speaking to the Cricket West Indies (CWI) media at the ground in Antigua on Tuesday, Pooran is confident that the TT team has what it takes to secure a place in Saturday’s title match.
“I think the boys are having a great time. We had a challenging group but the boys got through it and we are here in Antigua now. We are happy to be here and the boys are failing very nicely and we are looking forward to retaining our title,” said the captain.
“Throughout the tournament, there was no individual (standout), it was a team effort. Every single game, someone is raising their hand. We don’t expect anything different tomorrow (Wednesday) but we expect a total team effort and we talked about being clinical.
“In the last game, everyone showed up for us and we expect the same here. That’s one of the reasons we’ve been successful so far, because everyone is accountable.”
Spinner Akeal Hosein anticipates an exciting contest between the two nations but confirmed that he is up for the challenge.
“I’m looking forward to it. I have watched a few matches and I think the wickets here are also spin friendly. We are not going to take anyone lightly as they have all played good cricket and to get to the semi-finals you have to do something good. We are ready for the challenge,” Hosein said.
In their final group match against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on Saturday, Pooran scored a brilliant 99 as part of a 165-run partnership with Darren Bravo to ensure his side emerged from the group as winners. ,
Opening batsman Kjorn Ottley, along with the captain, played with the bat in that team, while contributions with the ball came from all over the team. ,
TT’s Shannon Gabriel and Yannic Cariah are tied on 10 in the wicket-taking column, showing that both pace and spin have been effective.
The second semi-final of the CG United Super50 Cup takes place on Thursday at the same venue and time. The day/night match will see Zone B winners Jamaica Scorpions battle Zone A runners-up Guyana Harpy Eagles.
