Santa Cruz eased past Pole 9 in the North Zone T20 competition on Tuesday evening at the Diego Martin Sports Complex.
Having opted to bat first, Johnathan Narine led the way with the bat for Pole 9. Despite losing his opening partner, Narad Sookwah, early on for three, Narine struck a run-a-ball 49 hitting six boundaries along the way. He formed a 78-run partnership with Kwasi Alfred that took Pole 9 to 97 for two before Chadeon Raymond dismissed Narine.
His wicket would cause a slide for Pole 9, which would further slip to 110 for four. However, Rishi Mannah’s cameo knock of 35 not out from 21 balls, which included three fours and two sixes, propelled Pole 9 to a respectable total of 163 for four from their 20 overs. Alfred made 33. Kwasi Andrews was the pick of the bowlers for Santa Cruz with two for 37.
Devon Sween would lead Santa Cruz’s response at the top of the order. He hit 57 runs from 39 balls, striking three fours and four sixes. Together with Ronaldo Huggins, the opening pair laid a solid foundation of 76 runs. Huggins scored 28 runs from 24 balls.
However, Santa Cruz lost both men in quick succession and was reduced to 109 for two. Darren Bravo and Chadeon Raymond would then meet in a match-winning stand of 58 runs. Bravo ended unbeaten on 36 while Raymond was 25 not out. Santa Cruz won by eight wickets.
Summarised scores:
POLE 9: 163/4 (20 ov). J. Narine 49, R. Mannah 35, K. Alfred 33; K. Andrews 2-37. SANTA CRUZ: 167/2 (18.3 ov). R. Huggins 57, D. Bravo 36 not out; D. Dennison 1-19.
SANTA CRUZ won by eight wickets.
Get the full scorecard here.
