TAROUBA, Trinidad, CMC – Captain Imran Khan and Jyd Goolie struck unbeaten half-centuries as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force dominated Windward Islands Volcanoes on yesterday’s opening day of their eighth round encounter at the Brian Lara Stadium.
Choosing to bat first fresh off their convincing win in the last round over leaders Barbados Pride, Red Force finished on 298 for five.
Imran Khan fashioned a handsome 80 not out while Goolie was unbeaten on 78, the pair staging an unbroken 147-run, sixth wicket stand to put Red Force on top.
Batting at number seven, Imran Khan faced 125 deliveries in 156 minutes and hit 10 fours while Goolie, in his fourth first class match, also struck 10 boundaries off 142 balls in just over 3-¼ hours.
They were supported by opener Kyle Hope who stroked 54 and last round century-maker Jason Mohammed who made 45.
Left-arm pacer Preston McSween extended his excellent form, picking up three for 36.
Red Force’s start was less than convincing following a delayed start due to wet spots on the playing area, losing Cephas Cooper without scoring and Test batsman Darren Bravo for 11 with just 36 runs on the board.
But Hope and Mohammed combined in a 73-run, third wicket stand to initiate their side’s revival and take them safely to lunch on 59 without further loss.
Hope struck six fours off 83 balls while Mohammed also counted six boundaries off 75 deliveries before both fell in the space of eight balls with just one run added at 112 for four.
Goolie first added 39 for the fifth wicket with Joshua DaSilva (26) before joining forces with his skipper to ensure Red Force controlled the final session.
