Nurse spins Barbados into the semi-finals
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Ashley Nurse wrecked Leeward Islands with a six wicket haul that set the stage for Barbados to march into the finals of the NAGICO Super50 tournament at the Queen’s Park oval here on Monday.
The Bajans clinched a four wicket victory over the unfancied Leeward Islands outfit but not before surviving a persistent bowling counter attack that threatened to derail their run chase.
Kraigg Brathwaite cracked an unbeaten 29 and batted through the innings to lead Barbados through some rocky phases and then safety at 104 for six after Nurse’s assault which saw the Leewards crashing to 103 all out.
Openers Kieran Powell top scored with 34 and Montcin Hodge 14, both scoring slowly, to give the Leewards an encouraging 46 run stand.
But once Dwayne Smith got the breakthrough by having Hodge caught, a batting slide begun which remained unchecked.
Summarized Scores:
Leeward Islands Innings: 103 All Out (39.5 Overs). Kieran Powell 27, Devon Thomas 17, Montcin Hodge 14, Jahmar Hamilton 10; Ashley Nurse 10-2-29-6, Suliemann Benn 8.5-2-15-2, Dwayne Smith 5-1-10-1, Jason Holder 5-0-13-0.
Barbados Innings: 104/6 (34.5 Overs). Kraigg Brathwaite 29, Rashidi Boucher 25, Kevin Stoute 13, Carlos Brathwaite 12; Anthony Martin 10-5-8-2, Kelbert Walters 4-1-10-2, Lionel Baker 7.5-0-41-2, Justin Athanaze 10-2-17-0.
Meanwhile, the final round of matches in the tournament will be as follows:
Matches will be played at Queen’s Park Oval. First ball is 2 pm (1 pm Jamaica Time)
Wednesday, February 12: Semi-final 1 – Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago
Thursday, February 13: Semi-final 2 – Barbados vs Guyana
Saturday 15th: FINAL – Winner of Semi-final 1 vs Winner of Semi-final 2