GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – A superb century from rookie Emmanuel Lett has put Trinidad and Tobago in an excellent position to secure victory over Leeward Islands after two days of their WICB Regional Championship, fifth round match at Bourda yesterday.
Lett, in just his third match at this level, batted with supreme confidence and assurance before he was forced to retire at 187, suffering the effects of fluid loss.
By that time, however, he had piloted T&T to a commanding 379 for four in reply to Leewards’ first innings 149.
They eventually declared at tea at 399 for six to grab a lead of 250 runs and the Windwards, left with a session to bat on the penultimate day, and slipped to 106 for seven at the close and in real danger of losing by an innings.
Lett, a right-hander with a penchant for off-side strokes, started the day on 54 not out and carried on for as long as his body allowed.
He was at the crease for a little under six hours and hit 24 fours off 240 balls. He maiden century came off 169 balls in 3-½ hours with 13 fours.
He added 101 for the third wicket with left-hander Akeal Hosein, who was again dominant as he stroked his third half-century – 52 off 86 balls with five fours and two sixes.
After Hosein left, Lett was joined by skipper Steven Katwaroo and the pair added 151 before Lett was forced to leave. Katwaroo rotated the strike brilliantly and ran well between the wickets. He made 60 off 91 balls and maintained the tempo.
Faced with a massive deficit, the Leewards always looked under pressure and their batting was again shaky.
Spinner Hosein exploited their weaknesses by flighting the ball and has so far taken four for 35 from 13 overs.
The attacking Wasim Mintos was promoted to opener and made a quick 25 off 21 balls while skipper Rahkeem Cornwall made 38 from 29 balls with three massive sixes but became Hosein’s fourth and most important victim.
