T&T thrashes Jamaica in CT20 leads Group A fixtures
Thursday 29th July, 2010

A large crowd waited patiently for the action to start and when it did, they were thrilled.

Perkins provided the early salvo from Russel's first over hitting him for a straight six, followed by a four to cap an eventful opening salvo.

The decision to send T&T in first paid off with the fall of Barath's wicket. He was followed by Perkins shortly after as Santokie struck first ball.

It was 17 for two, and became 24 for three when Simmons picked out Marshall for catching practice, handing Santokie his second of five victims for 24 runs in the T&T innings.

But skipper Ganga consolidated then opened up to get the momentum going T&T's way again. Daren Bravo joined in as he settled nicely. But as the two tried to up the tempo even more, Ganga fell for 17 and Jamaica were back in the game.

But the Brian Lara look-alike gave a Lara-like performance against Jamaica some years ago, as he almost single handedly flayed the bowlers to all parts. Older brother Dwayne joined in the fun and together they added 69 in double quick time which took the game away from the Jamaicans. Daren getting to fifty in the process.

In the end the dynamic left-hander made 65 as T&T reached 157 for seven from their 18-overs, setting the Jamaicans a formidable target to top the group.

The Jamaican reply got off to the worst possible start with Brendon Parchment dismissed for a duck, and T&T took control.

It could have been worst as Marlon Samuels survived this confident appeal. He tried to cash-in on his good fortune and struck this towering six over point to raise Jamaican hopes. But he would flatter to deceive as Sherwin Ganga struck a big blow for T&T, it was 43 for two, and the slide kicked in.

Danza Hyatt soon followed Samuels, as Simmons picked a pepper, and the in-form Xavier Marshall followed soon after with this unusual dismissal. Ganga claimed the catch, and forced the referral, which was viewed upstairs before the decision was confirmed, and eventually the Jamaicans would capitulate for just 108, handing tt victory by 49-runs and the lead in the group.

CT20 Group A standings

Last night's victory for Trinidad and Tobago means that Trinidad and Tobago now top group a, leapfrogging Jamaica.

Trinidad and Tobago now have 12 points, topping group a with a net-run-rate of plus-one-point-eight-six-nine.

Jamaica stay on 8 points, but their net run-rate has dropped to .318.

C meteorologist Ean Wallace told us earlier today that there is the chance of rain early tomorrow morning, but the semi-finals should go ahead.

However, with the victory last night, if rain does wash out the game Trinidad and Tobago will qualify as group winners.