Merryboys sail into Carib Cup final again

To the chants of “Wine Dhanraj wine” former West Indies spinner Rajindra Dhanraj bowled Ceramic Merryboys to victory over Queen’s Park in the semi-final of the Carib Cup limited overs cricket competition at Inshan Ali Park, Preysal yesterday.

Queen’s Park, chasing 171 runs for victory in 30 overs at 5.7 runs per over, were restricted to 135 all out — by “Man-of-the-Match” Dhanraj who finished with the remarkable figures off five for 15. The Parkites got off to a good start with Trinidad and Tobago batsman Dwayne Bravo delighting the huge crowd with some pleasing drives and pulls to the fence. However the intervention of Dhanraj saw his downfall and Queen’s Park followed suit. Bravo after being well set, played across the line and was leg-before for 43 that included seven boundaries. His dismissal at 80 saw a collapse and Queen’s Park hopes were dashed. Deepak Kumar 20 forged a useful partnership with Bravo as he defied the Merryboys bowlers for a while but to no avail.

President of Merryboys, Patrick Rampersad said afterwards: “We are extremely happy to be back at Guaracara Park for yet another finals. Rajindra Dhanraj was simply brilliant today and thanks to his great effort we have a chance to finally win a limited overs title.” Merryboys are the reigning Carib National league Division One champions but lost out to Preysal in the finals of the Carib Cup last year. Merryboys will now await the winner of the other semi-final between Clico Preysal and FCB Clarke Road next week.

CARIB CUP SEMI-FINAL
At Inshan Ali Park: Ceramic Trinidad Merryboys 170/7 (30overs)(Aneil Kanhai 39, Keno Mason 27, Lendl Simmons 19, Lincoln Roberts 18, Kenneth Hazel 17, Rajindra Dhanraj 17 n.o., Dale Douglas 16 n.o., Rishard Harris 4/35) def Queen’s Park CC 135 all out (27overs) (Dwayne Bravo 43, Deepak Kumar 20, Rajindra Dhanraj 5/15) —- By 35 runs.
“Man-of-Match”: Rajindra Dhanraj.