KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Veerasammy Permaul’s gallant unbeaten half-century rallied Guyana Jaguars and helped them overcome a late order slump, on the opening day of their fifth round clash against Jamaica Franchise here yesterday.The tail-ender, better known for his lethal left-arm spin, smashed an unbeaten 75 from 99 deliveries as WICB Professional Cricket League leaders Jaguars finished the day at Sabina Park on 298 for eight.Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble chipped in with 47, Test batsman and captain Leon Johnson scored 41 while Shiv Chanderpaul and Raymon Reifer both hit 29 and opener Shimron Hetmyer, 22.
Leg-spinner Odean Brown was the chief wicket-taker with three for 70 while fast bowler Jason Dawes (2-15) and leg-spinner Damion Jacobs (2-64) picked up two wickets apiece.
Jaguars were slumping at 175 for six when Permaul arrived to anchor two partnerships with his fine cameo.
He counted nine fours and two sixes, and added 38 for the seventh wicket with Bramble and then 84 for the eighth wicket with Devendra Bishoo who scored 18.
Sent in, Guyana were in trouble at 35 for two when they lost opener Vishaul Singh (6) and Hetmyer cheaply.
Johnson then put on 63 for the third wicket with Reifer who faced 52 balls and struck five fours and a six before edging Jacobs to John Campbell at slip on the stroke of lunch at 98 for three.
Johnson faced 98 balls in 163 minutes at the crease and hit six fours but Jamaica made key strikes at critical points as Guyana lost four wickets for 77 runs.