FOURSQUARE, Barbados, CMC – Jamaica’s batmen won an intriguing battle with Guyana’s spinners to eke out a narrow first innings lead of three runs on the second day of the second round match of the Regional Under-19 three-day Championship at Foursquare Oval here yesterday.
The Jamaicans, who started the day on 41 without loss after dismissing Guyana for 164 on Wednesday’s first day, were forced to labour for almost two sessions before overtaking the target off the final delivery of the 87th over.
With an extra hour added onto the playing time after a lengthy interruption due to rain in the post-tea session, Guyana reached 73 for three to lead by 70 runs going into today’s final day.
Guyanese spinners Shawn Pereira (4-67), Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai (2-43) and Ricardo Adams(3-13) picked up wickets at regular intervals in the opening session to keep the contest on an even keel.
Wicketkeeper Aldaine Thomas, batting at number six and number eight Rashni Francis (9), featured in a vital, 25-run seventh wicket partnership after lunch that tilted the balance in the Jamaicans’ favour.
Thomas finished 32 not out, having put his side in front when he swept Motie-Kanhai to the deep square-leg boundary for his second four but the Guyanese were left to rue a missed chance at 142 for six when wicketkeeper Denesh Mangal dropped Francis off Adams’ bowling.
Earlier, skipper Oshane Walters, 32 not out overnight, went on to make 59 with five fours and a six after he had been badly missed by Dexter George off Motie-Kanhai when one short of 50.
The resulting single brought up his 50 off 102 balls with three fours and a six.
Brian Gayle with 42 also helped the Jamaican cause but when Adams – bowling skiddy left-arm spin and took his wickets off 16 consecutive overs – removed him and namesake Delbert Gayle shortly after lunch, both teams would have fancied their chances of grabbing first innings points.
