An exciting batting performance by Jamaica fast bowler Keyonie Gayle, sent his team into the semi-finals of the Lauderhill T20 night cricket tournament with a narrow one wicket win over the Combines Islands at the Lauderhill Sports Park on Saturday.
The Jamaicans were teetering on 153-9 needing another 22 to win. But Gayle was in no mood to hang around and played an innings worthy of a top order batsman as he slammed seven boundaries off the first seven deliveries he faced to end on 32 not out in the 17th over.
The bowler turned batsman slapped half Yorkers for four and launched good length deliveries out of the ground onto Oakland Park Boulevard or into nearby lakes. Gayle’s boundaries were elegant, his hitting was positive, and he was determined to take his team to victory.
He was supported by Omari Williams with 49 and O Jones who scored 28.
Combined Islands top order batmen got good starts but failed to carry on and pressure the Jamaicans with a bigger total. Joey Pierre top scored with 32 while G. White chipped in with 26 not out, A. Scott 24, R. Ebanks 24 and D. James 17.
Bowling for Jamaica, G. Campbell claimed 2 for 27, O. Brown 1/23, D. Hyatt 1/28, G. Wallace 1/28 and O. Williams 1/30.
Bowling for Combined Islands, David Braithwaite bagged 2 for 27, R. Ebanks 1/21, G.White 1/23 and A. Scott 1/31.
The competition continues on Saturday, April 22 with India versus the Lauderhill Select XI followed by Pakistan versus Trinidad and Tobago at All matches are played at the Lauderhill Sports Park, 7500 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill.
