Jangoo keeps Red Force in hunt

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Debutant Amir Jangoo’s unbeaten half-century kept Trinidad and Tobago Red Force with their noses in front after Barbados Pride threatened to turn the tables, on the second day of their day/night ninth round encounter here Saturday.

Leading by 28 runs after dismissed Pride for 168 in their first innings, Red Force were slumping at 21 for three in their second innings before the 19-year-old left-hander came to the fore with a well-compiled 71 not out.

ON THE GO: Opener Amir Jangoo gathers runs through the off-side during his unbeaten 71 on the second day of their ninth round encounter against Barbados Pride. (Photo courtesy WICB Media)

The knock lifted Red Force to 133 for five at the close, an overall lead of 161 runs heading into Sunday’s penultimate day at Kensington Oval.

Jangoo has so far faced 129 balls in three hours at the crease and hit seven fours and two sixes.

Lively pacer Justin Greaves (3-39) knocked over Kjorn Ottley (3), Isaiah Rajah (0) and Tion Webster (0) in quick time but Jangoo combined with Yannic Cariah (31) to stitch up the innings in a vital 73-run, fourth wicket stand.

Red Force looked to be batting their way back into a sound position when seamer Kevin Stoute (2-29) struck twice in the space of six overs, removing Cariah to a catch at first slip and debutant Akiel Cooper, caught at the wicket for 10.

Earlier, Stoute hit a fine unbeaten 81 to lift Pride from a perilous position of 34 for six in the fourth over of the morning to 168 all out.

Resuming on 27 for five, Pride found hope in Stoute whose knock formed the foundation of a 90-run, seventh wicket stand with Kenroy Williams who made 46.

All told, the right-handed Stoute struck 10 fours and a six in an innings which came from 137 balls in just over 3-1/4 hours at the crease.

Barbadian seamer Roshon Primus was the best bowler with four for 51 while off-spinner Bryan Charles claimed three for 32.