The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force delivered a commanding performance as they charged into their 20th Super50 Cup final by dismantling the struggling Guyana Harpy Eagles with a resounding six-wicket victory in the opening semi-final held at the Brian Lara Stadium on Wednesday.
Terrance Hinds, the fast bowler, earned the Man-of-the-Match accolade with a stunning four-wicket haul, propelling the Red Force to restrict the Harpy Eagles to a dismal total of 105 runs within 35 overs.
Sherfane Rutherford was the highest scorer for the Harpy Eagles, managing 30 runs from 52 deliveries, while Test opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul contributed 22 runs. Unfortunately, they were the only batsmen to reach double figures, leading to Harpy Eagles posting their lowest total of the tournament and their fourth lowest ever in the competition.
In pursuit of this meager target, captain Darren Bravo continued his exceptional form by contributing an unbeaten 53 runs from 73 balls, featuring eight fours. Bravo’s performance guided the Red Force to reach the target in the 28th over. Opening batsman Kjorn Ottley added 35 runs from 59 balls, forming a crucial partnership of 58 runs for the second wicket with Bravo. This partnership laid the foundation for the Red Force’s 16th win in their last 18 encounters against the Harpy Eagles.
Motie momentarily rattled the Red Force’s progress
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who finished with figures of three for 20, momentarily rattled the Red Force’s progress by claiming two wickets in the 21st over. However, Bravo’s composed innings ensured a smooth victory for the hosts.
After the Harpy Eagles were asked to bat, they found themselves in deep trouble at 25 for four in the ninth over, with Terrance Hinds wreaking havoc in a devastating spell of four for 15 runs from four overs. Kevin Sinclair (4) and captain Tevin Imlach (4) were early casualties, edging deliveries behind to the wicketkeeper. Hinds then dismissed Shimron Hetmyer for three with an incredible one-handed return catch before having Kemol Savory caught without scoring.
The innings took a further hit when Kevlon Anderson was bowled by left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein for seven runs in the 15th over. The mix-up between Rutherford and Chanderpaul, which resulted in Chanderpaul’s run-out, epitomized the Harpy Eagles’ struggles.
A 25-run partnership for the ninth wicket
Rutherford, who struck three fours and a six, anchored a brief recovery with a 25-run partnership for the ninth wicket alongside Veerasammy Permaul (eight not out). However, Rutherford eventually became the ninth wicket to fall, one of two wickets taken by leg-spinner Yannic Cariah (2-14).
The Red Force’s chase began well, with Ottley and Tion Webster adding 25 runs for the first wicket. Ottley, who hit five fours, was dismissed leg before wicket by Motie in the 19th over, which triggered a brief collapse. However, Bravo and Yannic Cariah (five not out) steadied the ship, guiding their team to the final, where they will face the Leeward Islands Hurricane.
