KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Sixteen wickets tumbled dramatically on the penultimate day of the Regional Four-Day semi-final between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago here yesterday, to set up an exciting finish to the match today.
At the close at Sabina Park, T&T were 54 for two, in pursuit of a victory target of 179 and a place in next week’s final against Barbados.
They had earlier conceded a first innings lead of 76 runs when they were bowled out for 170 in their first innings after resuming the day on 162 for six.
Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller claimed five for 41.
However, T&T got a big effort from their fast bowlers Marlon Richards (3-21) and Rayad Emrit (3-25), as they bundled out the five-time defending champions for a paltry 102.
West Indies opener Lendl Simmons then took the attack to the Jamaicans, striking a breezy 31 from 33 balls before becoming the last wicket of the day, lbw to medium pacer David Bernard Jr (2-8) at 43 for two.
Left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano had earlier flashed at a wide ball from Bernard and edged behind to substitute wicketkeeper Brenton Parchment, to depart for four.
The drama, however, unfolded at the start of the Jamaica second innings. Yet again, Richards produced a top spell up front to knock over the top order and reduce the hosts to 26 for five.
For the second time in the match, Carlton Baugh Jr came to Jamaica’s rescue, following up his first innings 88 not out with an unbeaten 38, to prop up the innings.
He put on a vital 49 for the sixth wicket with Bernard who hit four fours in 23 off 70 balls before falling lbw to Imran Khan.
Baugh, who faced 94 balls in nearly 2-1/2 hours at the crease and counted five fours, quickly ran out of partners and was left stranded at the end.
The final twist in the day came when persistent rain washed out the final hour of play.
