Imposing half-centuries from Leniko Boucher and Nicholas Kirton propelled Barbados to a commanding eight-wicket win over the Leewards yesterday in the fourth round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional U19 50-over tournament.
Played at the Everest Cricket Ground, the left-handed Kirton crunched six fours in his 122-ball 63, sharing an opening stand of 130 with the more aggressive Boucher who stroked an unbeaten 58 inclusive of four fours and one six, as they fluently chased down their target of 151, ending with 152 for 2 in 45 overs.
Leewards skipper Jeremiah Louis, who top scored earlier with 26, picked up 1-36 while West Indies U19 pacer
Alzarri Joseph took 1-27. Bowling for Barbados, spinners Neil Persaud (3-11), Chad Williams (2-24) and Matthew Jones (1-37), systematically picked apart the opposition batsmen who, apart from Louis, opener Shaquille Martina (21) and Jaeel Clarke 31 not out, who offered no resistance.
The Bajans got off to a flying start thanks to an aggressive approach from the two openers who played freely with much success despite an early spell of hostility from Joseph.
The duo then toned down their aggression and played more carefully as they crept closer to the target.
Just as the rain came, Kirton brought up his 50 with a stylish clip through mid-wicket as the groundsmen sped across the ground in attempt to protect the playing area.
The showers came and went in the same breath, so too was the presence of Kirton who was removed by the skipper Louis, who managed to break the ominous partnership while Akil Greenidge provided a regulation catch to the wicket-keeper a few balls later.
However, Barbados skipper Joshua Drakes (9*) and Boucher saw their team home with wickets and overs to spare, despite a few hiccups.
Earlier, Leewards lost openers Ross Powell (14) and Martina both with the score under 50. Casey Carthy (14), Ashran Hodge (4), Mohit Hingorani (7) and Kenrick Scott (4), told the tale of a feeble Leeward Islands middle order which was scythed through for less than 90 runs in 36 overs.
A mini resurgence from Louis and Clarke helped raise the team’s century mark as their allotted overs faced expiration. Louis’ rebellion against the potent Bajan attack was halted when he was caught and bowled by Kirton. Wickets continued to tumble with the dismissals of Joseph (0) and Colin Archibald (16).
