North U13 were left to rue missed opportunities as they went down by seven wickets to Central U13 in their opening TTCB Under-13 clash at Avidesh Samaroo Park on Monday.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, North posted 152 for seven from their 40 overs, with Pravin Rambaran producing a determined top score of 50.
The right-hander occupied the crease for 125 deliveries, striking seven fours, but struggled for consistent support as Central’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout.
Aarav Samooj offered some resistance with 28, while Ethan Thomas chipped in with 13, but North found it difficult to build momentum.
Ismaeel Baksh (2 for 14) and Christiano Alexander (2 for 22) were the chief destroyers, applying the brakes during the middle overs and picking up key wickets.
Defending a modest total, North started brightly but could not contain Central’s aggressive response.
Amvan Bickram led the chase with an unbeaten 70, sharing a 61-run opening stand with Lemuel Joseph, who struck a quick 30 to put Central firmly in control early.
North’s bowlers battled but were undermined by extras, conceding 33 in total, which eased the pressure on the opposition.
Aarav Samooj and Ethan Thomas picked up a wicket each, while there was a run out, but the target proved insufficient to apply sustained pressure.
Central eventually reached 153 for three in just 22.4 overs, sealing victory with plenty of time to spare.
Despite the defeat, North will take positives from Rambaran’s resilience at the top and will look to tighten their bowling discipline and fielding as they prepare for their next outing.
They take on South East on Thursday, 7 May, and close off the preliminary round away to North-East on Monday, 11 May.
The final, which features the top two teams in the group, will take place on Friday, 15 May at the National Cricket Center in Balmain, Couva.
Summarized scores: North Zone U13 152 for 7 in 40 overs (Pravin Rambaran 50, Aarav Samooj 28, Ethan Thomas 13; Ismaeel Baksh 2/14, Christiano Alexander 2/22) vs. Central Zone U13 153 for 3 in 22.4 overs (Amvan Bickram 70*, Lemuel Joseph 30; Aarav Samooj 1/19, Ethan Thomas 1/24). Central Zone won by 7 wickets
