By Rajiv Bisnauth

All-rounder Christopher Barnwell scripted one of the best List A innings last Sunday in match seven of the Cricket West Indies (CWI)-sponsored CG Insurance Super50 Cup against Jamaican Scorpions.
Guyana Jaguars had needed some inspiration to extricate themselves from another top-order failure, and there was no one better than Barnwell to provide it.
In the absence of regular skipper, Leon Johnson, the stage was set for the strongly-built Barnwell to exhibit his batting prowess, and he duly rose to the occasion.
Once the right-handed Barnwell is on song, there are few bowling attacks in the region that can put a stop to his willow work.
The 34-year-old slammed a 90-ball 107, his maiden List A hundred, as he batted responsibly to ensure Jaguars set a winning total.
However, the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) player in his post innings interview said he was fully aware of his responsibility, taking into consideration Jaguars’ position when he came to the wicket.

“It was a wonderful feeling … went close on a few occasions, but couldn’t get over the line, but today (Sunday) I have been one of the main batters. With the skipper out, I just take that extra responsibility to go and bat as deep as possible – an aspect of my game that I have been working on rigorously,” he said.
Barnwell further added, “Johnson (Leon) was obviously a big loss for us, but as one of the senior players who have been around for a long time, I just take that extra responsibility to go out there and play well and it paid off.”
Barnwell struck four fours and half-dozen sixes, first adding 91 for the fourth wicket with Akshaya Persaud (25) before putting on a further fifth-wicket 88 with Anthony Bramble (69).

His innings contribution saw Jaguars end on 299-9 after being 21-3, at one stage. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie then spoiled the Scorpions run chase, picking up 4-55 to move his tally to nine wickets from three games.
The Scorpions were eventually bowled out for 190 in the 45th over. Meanwhile, West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer, leading the Jaguars in the absence of injured captain Johnson, said the side’s winning streak was important.
“It’s really nice to be on the winning side to be honest and it’s always good to win back-to-back games. That’s what we always talk about and it’s a good feeling for us,” said the 24-year-old.
The Jaguars with three wins from three games moved to 12 points. They will be in action again on February 20 in another day/night encounter against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.