Captain Ganga defies J’ca

TRINIDAD and Tobago’s cricket team captain Daren Ganga (104 not out) stood out yesterday while his team-mates floundered against Jamaica on the rain-affected opening day of the Carib Beer Cricket Series eighth round regional cricket match at Shaw Park, Tobago. With a total of 65 minutes play lost due to a late start (10.45 am) because of a damp spot on the northern side of the pitch  and then a further twenty minutes (from 12.40 to 1 pm) after the luncheon interval, TT stuttered to 196 for eight wickets at the close of play. The crowd of Tobagonians, who graced the Park, must have left very disappointed by the overall performance of the home team which entered the match on the back of a sensational seven-wicket win over Windward Islands at Guaracara Park on Sunday.

Ganga won the toss and elected to take first strike on a pitch traditionally known for its slow nature on the last two days. But the move proved an immediate setback when the inform Lendl Simmons was bowled comprehensively by Jerome Taylor whose inswinging full length delivery ripped the leg stump apart. It was the first over and the fourth delivery —  TT were rocked at naught for one. Newcomer Imran Khan was joined by captain Ganga and together they restored order and were together at lunch with the scoreboard reading 45 for one off 16 overs.They batted through the session before Khan was unfortunately run out attempting a second run in the final over  before the tea interval.

He started shakily and had two narrow escapes but rallied through for 176 minutes and a significant second wicket partnership with Ganga who remained unbeaten on 50 at that stage with the score advanced to 103 for two off 39.5 overs. Khan struck four fours off 108 balls and their partnership lasted 170 minutes and 39 overs. Ganga batted intelligently and displayed determination and focus which were sadly lacking in all the other batsmen who gifted their wickets away. While there was a constant procession to the middle and back out, Ganga fought the Jamaicans with all correct technique and cool composure to reach his fifth regional First Class century.

It was heartily greeted by the very appreciative crowd. Ganga’s 50 was scored in 168 minutes and counted four fours off 132 balls while the triple-figure mark was realised after 311 minutes of disciplined batting. He registered six fours off 230 balls. Like a true leader, he remained undefeated on 104 after 320 minutes batting time and an additional seven balls to his century mark. Jamaican medium pacer Jerome Taylor was the main tormentor with three wickets for 48 while off-spinner Odean Brown snapped up two for 20.