Trinidad and Tobago Red force and the Leewards Franchise were locked in an intriguing topsy turvy battle at the end of day three in a match being played at Warner Park in St.Kitts.
On the first day, the Leewards Franchise batted first and was off to a fair if not perfect start when they lost their first wicket at 49.
In the interim, Austin Richards Jr looked positive for 34 and played several lovely shots with a pull shot over backward of square for a maximum, off fast bowler Shanon Gabriel, being a rare treat.
Lendel Richardson on the other hand, looked shaky for starters and two chances off Hosein and then Imran Khan did not help matters any.
However, out of the blue, he produced the shot of the day: Shanon Gabriel roared in and dug one short. It was quick, but Richardson seemed to have been expecting it. He rocked back and pulled it majestically over the scoreboard. It came right out of the screws!
Shortly thereafter he was unfortunately run out in a mix up with Richards, with both batsmen racing for the same crease
Richards was next to go. A soft dismissal, caught at slip by Lendl Simmons.
The talented Orlando Peters soon went for four, leaving alone a beauty of a delivery from Marlon Richards, who got one to nip back sharply and pick his off stump.
Akeem Saunders batting at number three, looked positive for his 34 and that even included a high six off the bowling of Imran Khan.
As the other batsmen struggled, Captain Devon Thomas, stayed around for 24 and 18 year old Jeremiah Louis looked really good for his 34 not out, ably assisted by Yannick Leonard with a stubborn 21 that helped them over the 200 mark.
A rain delay after lunch, did not dull the Leewards’ spirits. They came out blazing on all cylinders and the Trinidad Red force team was shocked into submission. Bowled out for a meager 130 runs. Yannick Cariah top scored with 43 and Captain Rayad Emrit scored a stodgy 33.
It was not all over by a long shot, as on Sunday 23rd November, the third day of the encounter, the Trinidad and Tobago Red force, had their best day in the field when they bowled out the Leewards franchise for a mere 130 runs.
Austin Richards Jr top scored with 42 and Jahmar Hamilton scored 30. The main wrecker of the innings was wrist spinner Imran Khan who bagged 6 for 13 from 11.1 overs. Truly amazing figures!
The Leewards franchise catapulted after being seemingly comfortably placed on 62 without loss. They lost their last six wickets for a mere 9 runs.
The Trinidad and Tobago Red force looked a lot more composed in getting to 95 for 2 at the end of day 3 with Yannick Ottley looking dangerous on 40 not out, which included 4 fours and 1 six.
With the Trinidad and Tobago Red force needing another 108 runs for victory on the final day, the Leewards team would be hoping to turn the game once again on its head.
We await with baited breaths for the final outcome.
Summarized scores: Leewards: 202 all out: Austin Richards 34; Akeem Saunders 34; Jeremiah Louis 34*
Imran Khan 4 for 83; Rayad Emrit 2 for 15 and Marlon Richards 2 for 36
Trinidad and Tobago: 130 all out: Yannick Cariah 43*; Rayad Emrit 33
Tonge, Louis; [peters; Taylor and Martin all got 2 wickets each
Leewards: 130 all out: Austin Richards 42; Jahmar Hamilton 30; Devon Thomas 19 and Lendel Richardson 19
Imran Khan 6 for 13; Rayad Emrit 2 for 13
Trinidad and Tobago needing 203 for victory are on 95 for 2 at the end of day two
Yannick Ottley 40*; Imran Khan 21
Peters 1 for 15; Tonge 1 for 15