Super50 Cup – The 592 Dugout

GUYANA JAGUARS ROAR TO FIVE-WICKET VICTORY OVER LEEWARDS HURRICANES

(Matche Report & Photos: Cricket West Indies)

Guyana Jaguars roared to a five-wicket victory thanks to a brilliant century from the bat of captain Leon Johnson over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the CG Insurance Super50 Cup at the Coolidge Cricket Ground on Friday night.

The Hurricanes openers posted the highest first wicket partnership of the tournament so far as Kieran Powell and Ross Powell had a slow but steady start of 152 in 31 overs.

Ross Powell made 61, which included eight fours, but became the first victim for left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who took 4-45 and won the CG Insurance Man-of-the-Match award.

Kieran Powell looked well set to reach triple figures, but on 94 he smacked a drive to Johnson at extra cover to give Motie his second wicket. The knock came off just 97 deliveries, with four fours and four sixes.

There was little resistance left as the Leewards Hurricanes finished their 50 overs on 244-9. Motie was the pick of the Jaguars bowlers while seamer Nial Smith had 3-47 also from 9 overs.

Assad Fudadin and Chanderpaul Hemraj started a cautious run-chase, as they posted 45 before Hemraj was dismissed for 24 off 22 balls. Shimron Hetmyer was run out for nine from a brilliant diving throw-in from Hayden Walsh Jr at point.

But it was the partnership of the most experienced players, captain Johnson and Chris Barnwell that took the game away from the Hurricanes. Barnwell was the aggressor, striking three sixes and a boundary on his way to a valiant 49 before Sheeno Berridge had him slashing behind.

Johnson soldiered on despite battling cramps. He eventually brought up his second List A century in style with a drive to mid-off for a boundary. With Romario Shepherd at the other end, the pair rotated the strike to bring home the Jaguars second victory of the tournament with 2.1 overs remaining.

Shepherd’s magic gets Guyana off to a winning start

(Match Report & Photos: Windies Cricket)

Romario Shepherd, batting at Number eight, was the talisman the Guyana Jaguars needed as he scored a high-quality half century in a winning cause. The all-rounder struck some lofty blows to finish on 58 not out from 52 deliveries, which included six fours and two big sixes as the Guyanese made 234 off 41.4 overs.

At one stage they were tottering 177-8, but Shepherd shepherded the lower order as the last two wickets added 58 vital runs. He won the CG Insurance Man-of-the-Match award.

Shimron Hetmyer also played well for 80 before fast bowler Jason Holder got him to chase after a high delivery which caused a mis-hit and he was easily caught by Ashley Nurse.

Hetmyer faced just 52 balls and played some stunning shots as he registered eight fours and four sixes. Experienced off-spinner Nurse was the pick of the Pride bowlers with 3-44 from ten overs, while skipper Jason Holder had 3-53 from 9.4 overs.

In reply Barbados Pride progressed slowly and were behind the required run rate when the first rain break came. This caused the target to be revised to 232 off 47 overs. At the second rain break the Bajans were in trouble at 91-5 in 29.3 overs. The heavy showers left the outfield too wet for play to restart and the umpires called off the contest at 9:28pm.

Kevin Sinclair finished with figures of 2-17 from 7.3 overs and showcased his cartwheel celebration when he took his first wicket, while Shepherd was impressive with pace and accuracy to end with 1-17.

Speaking to CWI Media after the match, Jaguars captain Leon Johnson said:

“We played today, the bowlers did a good job. Obviously ‘Hetty’ and ‘Sheppy’ brought their international experience for us … 235 is just about par but the second innings teams have struggled to past 190 runs, so we were always confident with the total on the board. We just have to take each game as it comes and it’s just about execution on the day.”

Griffith tests positive for Covid; Savory called up as replacement

Guyana Jaguars opening batsman Trevon Griffith has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the Jaguars scheduled departure for the CG Insurance Super50 Cup in Antigua on Saturday (January 30).

This was confirmed by a source in the administration of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). According to the source, Griffith will be replaced by wicket-keeper batsman Kemol Savory.

The team will be captained by the experienced Leon Johnson, who will have West
Indies’ batsman Shimron Hetymer as his deputy.

Meanwhile, Keemo Paul will sit out of the tournament in order to facilitate adequate recovery from an injury, whereas, Sherfane Rutherford who was considered for selection, has opted to play T10 and T20 cricket
in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Upon Arrival in Antigua, a 2-day room isolation is required after which the Jaguars will undergo Covid-19 testing on February 2, with another scheduled for February 6 between which players will be allowed to practice as a group.

The team is as follow: Chandrapaul Hemraj, Kemol Savory, Christopher Barnwell, Leon Johnson (Captain), Shimron Hetmyer (Vice-captain), Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble (Wicket-keeper), Akshaya Persaud, Tevin Imlach.

The team is led by Coach, Esuan Crandon and Manager/Assistant Coach, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, while the Physiotherapist will be Ernesto Campo Gonzalez. The Guyana Jaguars first game will be against the Barbados Pride on February 8.