–Confident Guyana Jaguars off to winning start

THE Guyana Jaguars won their opening encounter of the CG Insurance Super50 Cup against Barbados Pride by 56 runs under the Duckworth Lewis method last evening in Antigua.

The Pride, set 232 to win in 47 overs after the Jaguars were bowled out for 235 in 41.4 overs, reached 91-5 in 29.3 overs when the match ended prematurely due to rain.

Earlier, electing to bat first, the Jaguars build their total around Shimron Hetmyer, who carved out a responsible half-century, hitting eight fours and four sixes. The left-hander answered his critics in style with a 52-ball 80.

The former West Indies Under-19 skipper received support from the fast-improving Romario Shepherd who struck an unbeaten 52-ball 58 (6×4, 2×6), at the back end of the innings.

The Jaguars, without a title since 2005, had an opening stand of 48, dominated by the left-hander, Chandrapaul Hemraj. However, Hemraj’s opening partner, Assad Fudadin, contributed five before he was dismissed by off-spinner, Ashley Nurse (3-44).

The Jaguars then slipped to 88-5 after Hemraj, who struck five fours and a six in his 35, was dismissed. His dismissal was followed by Leon Johnson (4), Christopher Barnwell (2) and Akshaya Persaud for five.

Anthony Bramble (14) and Hetmyer added 55 for the sixth wicket to revive the innings. The dismissal of Hetmyer saw Shepherd single-handedly took control but during the process, he lost Kevin Sinclair (0), Gudakesh Motie (13) and Nial Smith (1).

Along with Nurse, West Indies Test captain, Jason Holder had 3-53. Fast bowler Chemar Holder (2-49), Akeem Jordan (1-52) and Keon Harding (1-16), were the other successful bowlers.

In the run chase, Barbados were off to a slow start, losing Justin Greaves, caught off Sinclair for eight, at 21-1 in the 10th over.

Zachary McCaskie and Sharmarh Brooks were at the wicket when rain intervened.

Upon resumption, Smith bowled Books for 21 before Shepherd trapped McCaskie leg before wicket for 25, at 60-3.

Jonathan Carter and Roston Chase tried to force some sort of partnership but were unsuccessful. Sinclair bowled Chase (9) before left-arm spinner, Gudakesh Motie had Jason Holder caught and bowled for one.

Jonathan Carter, 16 not out and Tevyn Walcotte (8) were at the wicket when rain intervened for the third time.