TT, Barbados in big U-19 title battle

Chasing 196 for victory, Barbados reached 41 for one at the close, still 155 runs adrift of their target with nine wickets intact, ahead of the fourth day today.

Earlier, Barbados bowlers led by the inimitable Shamarh Brooks, ensured that Trinidad and Tobago did not get the chance to build a big lead after they resumed at 72 for two. Brooks’ leg breaks earned him four for 35 while fast bowlers Jevon Searles and Kemar Roach took two apiece, as Trini-dad were bundled out for 158 in the post-lunch session.

The Barbados opening pair of Omar Phillips and Orman Kellman then gave their team a solid start in pursuit of their target, adding 38 for the first wicket to lay the foundation for the team’s victory chase.

Phillip was unbeaten on 20, while Kellman fell for 14 just before the close, LBW to off spinner Sunil Narine for 14.   

Earlier, Trinidad’s batsmen failed to capitalise on a good start and lost their remaining eight wickets for 86 runs. Opening batsman Adrian Barath, unbeaten on 40 overnight, top-scored for the TT team with a fighting innings of 51 which came in 264 minutes off 235 deliveries and contained one four.

The only other Trinidad and Tobago batsman to offer resistance was wicketkeeper William Perkins with a workmanlike 27.

Brooks, who ended with a match-haul of seven for 66, tormented the TT batsmen and was well supported by fast bowlers Searles with two for 16, and Roach, two for 22.

The game is being watched by Convenor of West Indies selectors, Joey Carew along with other members of the selection committee, Clyde Butts and Derek Parry.