GUYANA Jaguars got their Regional Super50 practice game off to a strong start as their bowlers and batsmen steered them to a 37-run win over a Rest XI by the Duckworth/Lewis method.
Despite a late start due to the weather, the Jaguars piled on 280 for 4 in 45 overs, batting first, thanks to a string of half-centuries from top-scorer Chris Barnwell who lit up Bourda with a blistering knock of 74 off 51 balls.
The chase was tough but a good learning experience for the Rest XI who managed to end on 200 for 7 in the 38th over when bad light stopped play.
Kevlon Anderson was the shining light for the Rest XI, resisting with a top knock of 68 not out. Anderson struck three fours and two sixes but found little support as Vishaul Singh was the next best scorer with 28.
The Jaguars new ball pair of Clinton Pestano and Ronsford Beaton were quick as usual and returned 2-38 and 2-39 respectively. Veteran left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul also returned 2 for 38 as the national side prevailed.
The innings was a good outing for the Jaguars who will look to assess their batting order, bowling pairs and areas needed for fine-tuning ahead of the Cup.
Earlier in the day, Barnwell mauled the Rest XI with seven towering sixes and three fours, with support coming from the Jags newest selectee, Kemol Savory, who warmed up with a classy 65, featuring seven fours and two sixes.
A lower-order assault from West Indies all-rounder Raymon Reifer, who clobbered 62 off 33 balls with six fours and two fours, further increased the agony for the Rest XI.
Earlier, Tagenarine Chanderpaul missed a half-century as he was removed by an expensive Nial Smith who grabbed 1 for 71. His partners– Savory and Barnwell– then thumped the bowlers during their stay in the middle.
Savory continued from where he left off in the Jaguars league by picking off loose bowling on his way to a confidence-boosting fifty ahead of the Regional Super50.
His innings came to an end after he was outfoxed and bowled by spinner Gudakesh Motie who was the best bowler with 1 for 26. Pacer Keon Joseph then removed skipper Leon Johnson for 7 as Barnwell continued his innings unbothered.
Fresh off a tournament-winning 2019 Hero CPL, Reifer came to the middle and immediately cut loose. The left-hander and Barnwell helped the Jags push their total past 250, but when seamer Ronaldo Alimohamed had Reifer caught by Kelvin Sinclair, Barnwell remained unbeaten on 74.
The second and final match is set for Friday at the Enmore ground.
