DENNERY, St Lucia, CMC – A late order century stand between Evin Lewis and Akeal Hosein rescued Trinidad and Tobago from a total collapse against Guyana on the opening day of their final round match in the TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Challenge yesterday.
In dire straits at 96 for eight, Lewis and Hosein put together a brilliant 133-run stand for the ninth wicket to steer their side to 229 all out after they won the toss and batted first at the Dennery Playing Field.
At the close, Guyana were 49 for two after recovering from a horrendous start where they lost both openers without a run on the board.
Lewis proved the star of the day, however, reeling off a sensational 105 to form the backbone of the T&T innings.
The left-hander, who retired hurt on 25, returned to dominate Guyana’s bowlers, striking 15 fours and two sixes in his knock. Hosein provided fantastic support for Lewis, tallying eight fours in an even fifty.
T&T got off to a solid start when Nicholas Alexis (20) and Kieron Joseph (13) added 43 for the first wicket, but Joseph’s dismissal sparked the collapse which saw T&T lose their next eight wickets for 53 runs.
The damage was caused by right-arm leg-spinner Amir Khan who snatched five for 65 while left-arm spinner Anthony Adams picked up two for 42.
T&T’s much vaunted batting duo of Yannic Cariah (1) and captain Yannick Ottley (0) both failed miserably, falling to Khan in quick succession.
Guyana then had a wretched start to their reply as fast bowler Teshawn Castro removed Quincy Richardson without scoring before off-spinner Sachin Boodram prised out Brian Sattaur, also without troubling the scorers.
However, Harrinarine Chattergoon, who was unbeaten on 29, and Dominique Rickhi, 19, then saw Guyana to the safety of the close without any further loss.