Opening batsman Keagon Simmons and off-spin bowler Daniel Khan led from the front yesterday to give the East Zone control at the end of the first day against Central in the BGTT Under-15 InterZone Final at the National Cricket Centre, Couva.Both teams were allotted 31 overs in the first innings when East won the toss and decided to field first. Khan (2/21) and Kristan Kallicharan (2/20) took two wickets apiece to reduce Central to a mediocre 109/6. Earlier, a 40-run fifth-wicket partnership between Matthew Patrick and Brandon Ali rescued Central from an uncomfortable 59/4. The pair joined forces, taking the total to 99, when Ali fell for 18. Opening batsman Crystian Thurton also contributed 23.
In reply, Simmons was in a no nonsense mood, striking eight fours in his knock of 71 at the top of the order, taking East to 126/5. Simmons was well supported by Sachin Seecharan, who made an unbeaten 17. Saiba Batoosingh was the only Central bowler to give the East batsmen some problems, grabbing 3/33.The Central Zone struggled in their second innings, closing on 51/7, with a slim 34-run lead. Khan had devastating figures of seven overs, four maidens, ten runs and four wickets. Kyle Madoo offered some resistance, ending the day on 19 not out. The Central Zone will be counting on Madoo to continue his innings today to give them a chance.
SCORES
AT NATIONAL CRICKET CENTRE:
Central 109/6 (31 overs) (Crystian Thurton 23, Matthew Patrick 25 n.o., Shawn Vialva 21, Kristan Kallicharan 2/20, Daniel Khan 2/21) and 51/7 (Kyle Madoo 19 n.o., Vialva 15, Khan 4/10) vs East 126/5 (31 overs) (Keagon Simmons 71, Sachin Seecharan 17 n.o., Saiba Batoosingh 3/33, Madoo 1/25)