Barataria Ball Players and Savannah Boys lit up the Diego Martin Sporting Complex on Saturday with dominant wins that pushed both sides to the brink of the North Zone T20 Festival knockout rounds.
In the day’s opener, The Harvard Club limped to 108 for 7 off their allotted 16 overs, despite cameos from Keegan Jones (29) and Ravi Kadoo (20).
The big talking point was the early dismissal of former West Indies great Brian Lara, who was run out for just four.
Camillo Carimbocas (2/14) led a disciplined bowling effort, while Quammie Mohammed, Dejourn Charles, Derron Wilson, and Carl Vialva chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Barataria made the chase look like a net session. Charles bludgeoned a 17-ball 53 not out, smashing six towering sixes, while Clifton Halls anchored with a steady unbeaten 33.
Together, they raced to 112 for 1 in just nine overs, sealing a nine-wicket win and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
If Barataria were clinical, the Savannah Boys were ruthless. Veterans Pradeem Ali (3/10) and Chetram Ramlal (2/7) combined with invited player Luke Ali (2/18) to dismantle Bourg Mulatresse for just 77.
Ali (31) then returned with the bat to launch the reply alongside Teshawn Castro (26), the pair blasting 45 inside five overs.
Savannah Boys needed only 6.4 overs to cruise to an eight-wicket victory with 80 balls to spare.
The results left both teams in pole position for the semifinals. Barataria face the Combine All Stars on Wednesday in a potential decider, while Savannah Boys will look to finish the job against Glenora Sports Club on Thursday.
With defending champions Santa Cruz still lurking and North Side Future Stars looking menacing in Group 2, the knockout rounds promise fireworks next weekend.
SUMMARIZED SCORES
Group 1
The Harvard Club 108 for 7 in 16 overs) Keegan Jones 29, Ravi Kadoo 20, Andre Yard 17; Camillo Carimbocas 2/14, Carl Vialva 1/7, Dejourn Charles 1/13) vs. Barataria Ball Players 112 for 1 in 9 overs (Dejourn Charles 53*, Clifton Halls 33*, Jeremy Araujo 17; Andre Yard 1/9). Barataria Ball Players won by 9 wickets
Group 2
Bourg Mulatresse 77 in 20 overs (Benny Hallal 22*; Pradeem Ali 3/10, Chetram Ramlal 2/7, Luke Ali 2/18) vs. Savannah Boys 78 for 2 in 6.4 overs (Luke Ali 31, Teshawn Castro 26; Tariq Richards 1/5, Keron Balbosa 1/18). Savannah Boys won by 8 wickets.
