PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Red Day has been declared, as perennial rivals Barbados and hosts Trinidad and Tobago clash in the final of the NAGICO Super50 tournament at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of Spain today.The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) has issued the call as a show of support for Red Force as officials report a significant rise in ticket sales ahead of the much anticipated showdown.
“The Red Force have been the dominant cricket team in the T20 format but today’s final is a chance for us to start a new streak of domination in the 50 overs with a victory in the NAGICO Super50 final,” said president of the TTCB, Azim Bassarath.
“We asking all of T&T to wear red in support whether at the game, at home or in the office.”
Barbados defeated the Trinidadians in their opening match of the tournament and as such home fans could prove crucial in the Red Force’s bid to seek ultimate revenge.
Officials are attempting to entice patrons by offering the first 200 lucky patrons to enter the ground today complimentary tournament magazines.
“Tickets sales picked up significantly since T&T Red Force beat Jamaica to reach the final,” revealed Suruj Ragoonath, CEO of the TTCB.
“We expect a very large crowd to turn out for the last match of what has been a great tournament so far.”
Up to midday yesterday, close to 6 000 tickets were sold and organisers believe all 12 000 will be taken ahead of the start today.
First ball is 14:00hrs (13:00hrs Jamaica Time).
“I think that whoever bat first will have an advantage if the weather holds because it means that they will have the best part of that pitch,” declared former West Indies fast bowler Colin croft.
“We have seen as the tournament went on, the pitches became a little bit slower and lower so batting first might just be the right thing to do.”
Trinidad & Tobago reached the final when they beat Jamaica by seven wickets on Wednesday.
Barbados qualified for the final when they also had a seven-wicket victory over Guyana on Thursday night.
“It has been a long time since we have played a final back here in Trinidad and Dwayne Bravo he will be looking at his first title for Trinidad and Tobago. He has done well, he has led from the front,” said former Trinidad and Tobago captain Darren Ganga.