Jangoo, Hope dominate Hurricanes

Left-handed opener Amir Jangoo
Left-handed opener Amir Jangoo

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Roookie left-hander Amir Jangoo was eyeing a maiden first class hundred as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force made a dominant reply against Leeward Islands Hurricanes, on the opening day of their fifth round match here Friday.

At the close at Warner Park, Red Force were well placed on 148 without loss, with the 20-year-old Jangoo unbeaten on 81 and partner Kyle Hope on 61 not out.

Red Force only trail by 59 runs heading into the second day after dismissing the hosts in their first innings for 207.

Jangoo, in his seventh first class match, has faced 112 balls and smashed seven fours and half-dozen sixes while Test batsman Hope faced 113 deliveries and counted eight fours.

Earlier, wicketkeeper Devon Thomas top-scored with 46 while captain Rahkeem Cornwall chipped in with 43 as Hurricanes collapsed from a position of 60 for one at one stage, after opting to bat first.

Shane Burton got 29 and Chesney Hughes, 29, but the remainder of the batting failed to show enterprise.

Fast bowler Roshon Primus was the best bowler with four for 57 while leg-spinner Imran Khan claimed three for 26 and off-spinner Bryan Charles supported with two for 53.

Opener Montcin Hodge fell cheaply for 10 with the score on 18 but Hughes and Akeem Saunders (17) added 42 for the second to stabilise the innings.

Hughes struck five fours in a 35-ball knock before becoming one of two wickets to fall in the space of five balls with the score on 60, as Saunders also followed.

Hurricanes then slumped to 93 for five before Thomas and Cornwall propped up the innings with a stand of 66.

While Thomas struck two fours and sixes in an 80-ball innings, Cornwall was his typical aggressive self, striking four fours and three sixes in a brisk 42-ball knock.