Brilliant sunshine, but no play. That is what players and fans of yesterday’s Nagico Super50 clash between T&T Red Force and the ICC Americas were forced to endure at Shaw Park, Tobago. Shoddy work by the groundsmen in taking the covers off, led to water falling on to the run up.
An early morning shower at around 6.20 am could hardly be blamed for no play and fans turned out in their numbers to support the match.
However, the match referee and umpires were concerned with the bowler’s run up at the western end and despite many attempts, including the application of sawdust, the match could not start as officials saw it as a hazard for the players. At 2.20 pm, a spectator with a pained expression yelled: “What about my money?”
One could have understood his frustration as there was brilliant sunshine for most of the day. The announcer immediately informed all present that they could use their ticket stubs for the clash between T&T Red Force and Jamaica Scorpions tomorrow. As a result, both teams walked away with two points. The T&T Red Force continues to lead Group A with 12 points from three matches.
Today, they will return to the ground at 10 am for a practice session before taking on Jamaica Scorpions at the same venue tomorrow.
The Jamaica Scorpions dismissed Barbados for 138 in a Group A encounter at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, in the other match. The Bajans found the going tough against the pace of Sheldon Cotterel (3-18) and leg spinner Damion Jacobs (3-38), with only skipper Kevin Stoute (39), making a contribution of substance.
In their turn, Jamaica were indebted to 94-run third wicket partnership between Andrew McCarthy (49) and Devon Thomas (33) to get to their target.
The pair appeared to be taking the Scorpions to victory but McCarthy’s dismissal at 105, opened a door for the Bajans and five wickets fell for 13 runs to leave the Scorpions 118 for 8. However, Cottrell and Nikita Miller took them to victory with two wickets to spare.
Results
Group A
T&T vs ICC Americas (no play)
BARBADOS PRIDE 138 (Kevin Stoute 39, Mario Rampersad 20, Sheldon Cottrell 3-18, Damion Jacobs 3-38)
JAMAICA SCORPIONS 139-8 (A McCarthy 49, D Thomas 33, S Benn 4-28, A Nurse 2-35)
Group B
Jaguars beat Marooners by six wickets
Scores: MAROONERS 149 (Ryan Hinds 47; Veerasammy Permaul 4-22, Paul Wintz 3-21)
JAGUARS 153 for four (Assad Fudadin 71; Vikash Mohan 2-25).