In a commanding display of cricket prowess, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, led by Captain Darren Bravo, clinched a resounding 78-run victory over Barbados Pride in the final preliminary game of the Regional Super50 Cup.
The match, held at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, on Sunday, witnessed Bravo’s magnificent unbeaten century and Sunil Narine’s magical spell of bowling.
Darren Bravo, the 34-year-old left-hander, played a career-defining innings, notching up a polished 139 not out off 113 deliveries. His brilliant performance guided the Red Force to a competitive total of 293 for six in their allotted 50 overs. This remarkable innings also allowed Bravo to surpass 6,000 List A runs in his career.
Narine’s mesmerizing 10-over spell
The veteran off-spinner Sunil Narine, who recently announced his retirement from international and domestic 50-over cricket, showcased his mastery with a mesmerizing 10-over spell, claiming four wickets for just 13 runs. His impeccable bowling performance left the Barbados Pride struggling at 215 all out in the 48th over. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein contributed significantly, picking up three wickets for 31 runs in his 10 overs.
Despite valiant efforts from Roston Chase, who scored 48, and Akeem Jordan, who managed 40 from the number nine position, the Pride faltered during their run chase. They lost their last seven wickets for just 100 runs, ultimately succumbing to Red Force’s dominance.
This victory ensured that the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force concluded the preliminary stage unbeaten, finishing at the top of the standings with 49 points. Their exceptional performance sets up a highly anticipated semi-final clash with the fourth-placed Guyana Harpy Eagles on Wednesday.
Captain Darren Bravo expressed his satisfaction with the team’s consistent and clinical cricket, emphasizing the importance of unity and support among team members. On the other hand, Barbados Pride finished third in the standings with 37 points and is set to face second-placed Leeward Islands Hurricanes (44) in the second semi-final on Thursday.
Hope acknowledges Bravo’s outstanding innings
Captain Shai Hope of Barbados Pride acknowledged Bravo’s outstanding innings and pointed out areas for improvement in their bowling. He maintained that any target is attainable, provided the opposition sets a precedent, and emphasized the need to learn from mistakes and continue striving for success.
In their innings, Red Force began with a steady 65-run opening partnership between Kjorn Ottley (36) and Tion Webster (28), paving the way for Bravo’s match-winning performance. Bravo’s innings included nine fours and seven sixes, and he reached his 50 in the 31st over before completing his ninth List A hundred in the 45th over.
Akeal Hosein disrupted Pride’s top order, removing both openers, Kyle Mayers (12) and Zachary McCaskie (14), in the sixth over. Despite moments of resistance, including partnerships between Shamarh Brooks (33) and Shai Hope (18), as well as Brooks and Roston Chase, Narine’s spell of brilliance turned the game in Red Force’s favor.
In the end, despite a spirited effort from Akeem Jordan, who contributed with a quickfire 47-ball 40, the outcome was never in doubt as the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force claimed a convincing victory and secured the top spot in the Super50 Cup group stage.
