Spin bowler Sunil Narine made an immediate impact on his return to Queen's Park Cricket Club, grabbing 4/25 to put the Parkites in command against Merry Boys after day one in round eight of the Shanghai Construction Group National League at the Diego Martin Recreational Ground, yesterday.
Narine, who recently returned to T&T after representing the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, helped dismiss Merry Boys for 113 batting first. Barbadian Javon Searles playing against his former club snatched 3/33, while Khary Pierre took 2/21. Samuel Felix and Aaron Alfred were the best batsmen for Merry Boys scoring 32 and 30 respectively. Top batsmen Jeetendra Sookdeo, Amir Jangoo and Ryan Hinds all fell for duck.
In reply, a 52-run unbroken partnership between national players Daron Cruickshank and Yannic Cariah took Queen's Park to 138/3 at stumps. Both batsmen were patient at the crease, as Cruickshank faced 64 balls for his unbeaten 26, while Cariah was 21 not out off 75 deliveries.
Earlier in the innings, Jeremy Solozano (36), Petrock Nicholas (25) and Akeal Hosein (18) all failed to convert their starts into big scores. Aneil Kanhai was the pick of the bowlers for Merry Boys taking 2/52. With a win and enough bonus points Queen's Park can clinch the league title at the end of the round.
At Inshan Ali Park, national opener Evin Lewis slammed another century to put Jenexcon Tableland in control over Preysal. Lewis struck six sixes and 11 fours in his knock of 140 off 121 balls to guide Tableland to 249 in the first innings. Preysal closed the day on 77/8 with national fast bowler Daniel St Clair snatching 3/21. In the last round Lewis slammed 139 against Queen's Park.
At Enterprise, Esmeralda forfeited its match against Powergen Penal due to unavailability of players. The 50-over Sunday League match will not be played between the two teams today. Manager of Esmeralda Rafi Ali apologised for the inconvenience caused.The same fixtures will take place today in round eight of the Sunday League, before round eight of the National League concludes next weekend. Queen's Park can seal the Sunday League title with a win over Merry Boys.
SCORES
At Diego Martin Recreational: Merry Boys 113 (Samuel Felix 32, Aaron Alfred 30, Sunil Narine 4/25, Javon Searles 3/33, Khary Pierre 2/21) vs Queen's Park 138/3 (Jeremy Solozano 36, Daron Cruickshank 26 not out, Aneil Kanhai 2/52)
At Wilson Road: Jailal Enterprise Victoria 228 (Lincoln Roberts 95, Garey Mathurin 38 not out, Derone Davis 3/44, Samuel Roopnarine 2/33, Kjorn Ottley 2/27) vs F.C Clarke Road
At Inshan Ali: Jenexcon Tableland 249 (Evin Lewis 140, William Perkins 46, Amit Maraj 5/30, Philton Williams 4/62) vs Preysal 77/8 (Daniel St Clair 3/21, Negus Carthy 3/22, Andre Brown 2/9)
At Gilbert Park: Alescon Comets 230 (Adrian Ali 89, Kissoondath Magram 43, Allen Laurent 4/60) vs Caldrac 55/2
At Enterprise: Powergen Penal vs Esmeralda - No play