PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A resilient performance by Andrew Rambaran and Johann Layne helped the West Indies Academy claim their first victory of the Regional Super50 tournament, overcoming the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners in a tightly contested match that ended via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
Chasing 175 at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, the West Indies Academy found themselves in a precarious position at 118 for seven after a devastating spell from Marooners’ off-spinner Romario Greaves, who dismantled the top order with figures of 5-45 from 10 overs.
Despite the early setbacks, Rambaran and Layne combined for a crucial unbeaten 49-run partnership for the eighth wicket, guiding the Academy to 167 for seven before rain interrupted play at 40.5 overs, sealing a tense three-wicket win.
A vulnerable position
Greaves’ bowling initially appeared decisive, as he claimed key wickets including opener Ackeem Auguste (17), top-scorer Rivaldo Clarke (38), and Joshua Bishop (15), leaving the Academy in a vulnerable position. Yet, Rambaran’s composed 37 off 60 balls and Layne’s counter-attacking 25 from 28 balls, featuring two sixes and two fours, brought the Academy to the brink of victory.
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, the Marooners looked set for a competitive total. Openers Johann Jeremiah and Kieran Powell put up a quick-fire stand of 63 in under 10 overs before Jeremiah fell for 33 to medium-pacer Jediah Blades. Powell continued the momentum with Shaqkere Parris, adding another 39 runs to reach 102 for one in the 18th over. Powell top-scored with a brisk 46 from 42 balls, hitting eight boundaries, while Parris contributed 40.
However, the Marooners’ innings unraveled from 143 for two, losing their last eight wickets for a mere 31 runs. Spinner Zishan Motara led the charge with 3-31, taking crucial middle-order wickets, while Blades finished with 3-23 and Bishop added 2-25 to contain the Marooners at 174 all out in 39.5 overs.
This gritty win gives the West Indies Academy a promising start in the tournament and highlights Rambaran and Layne’s ability to withstand high-pressure situations.
