FRIENDSHIP, Barbados (CMC) Opener Jeremy Solozano struck another solid half-century as Trinidad and Tobago capitalised on Jamaica’s bold declaration to win their first round clash in the Regional Under-19 three-day Championship by three wickets yesterday. Set 179 for victory from a minimum of 34 overs on the last day, the Trinidadians reached their target in 36.3 overs when number nine batsman Jovan Ali turned a ball to the fine leg boundary off captain and off-spinner Oshane Walters.
Once again, Solozano was T&T’s main batsman having guided them almost to the end with a responsible 78 before he was run-out attempting a suicidal run with just three runs remaining for victory.
Walters claimed four for 46 and fellow off-spinner Brian Gayle, two for 68, as they gave Jamaica a chance of victory at the Yorkshire Sports Club.
Solozano and fellow opener Brian Christmas (29) put on 55 before Christmas was caught behind driving at Walters, after striking five fours.
After Christmas’s departure, Andy Gobin joined Solozano to add a further 45 for the second wicket.
Gobin scored 21 but perished to a catch by Brandon King, looking for a big drive off Gayle.
The left-handed Solozano, who hit 84 in the first innings, then took matters into his own hands as he continued to flourish and when he was finally run-out, he had struck seven fours off 105 balls.
Earlier, Jamaica resuming 18 for one overnight eventually declared at 194 for seven with left-hander Texwayne Creary getting a breezy unbeaten 76, including four fours and five sixes off 110 balls in 163 minutes.
He was helped by Gayle who struck 54 with three fours with two sixes off 132 balls in 175 minutes.
Left-arm spinner Jovan Ali was the most successful bowler with four for 55 while pacer Tevin Robertson took two for 40.