POINTE-A-PIERRE, Trinidad – Kieron Pollard brightened up another dull day at Guaracara Park yesterday, when he slammed a whirlwind half-century as the second round Carib Beer Series match between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana finished in a predictable no-decision.
The 19-year-old Pollard slammed a breathtaking 69 from 31 balls, a knock that helped Trinidad & Tobago to declare at 272 for four as they went in search of first innings points. However, unbeaten half-centuries from Travis Dowlin and captain Narsingh Deonarine guided Guyana to 141 for two at the close, ensuring a share of the points.
Pollard, who scored a century on debut against Barbados in T&T’s first round clash last week, smashed six sixes and one four in his quickfire knock that set the south Trinidad venue abuzz.
The right-hander shared a 90-run, third wicket stand with all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who was run out for 21. Overnight batsmen Daren Ganga (76) and Adrian Bharath (73), who enjoyed a record opening partnership of 170 on Saturday, were both dismissed without any addition to their personal tallies and to the overall score.
Ganga was caught at third man by Veerasammy Permaul off Reon King with the first ball of the day, while the 16-year old Bharath was snapped up at the wicket by wicketkeeper Derwin Christian off the same bowler.
Left with 59 overs to negotiate, Guyana slipped to 45 for two before Dowlin (63) and Deonarine (50) combined in an unbroken, third wicket partnership of 96.
Dowlin hit six fours off 106 balls in 151 minutes while Deonarine stroked seven fours and one six in an innings spanning 101 minutes and 75 balls.
Play started at 1 pm because of damp spots on either side of the wicket, coupled with soggy areas in the bowlers’ run-ups.
The first two days of the match were washed out while play started after lunch on the third day, Sunday.