Guyanese wicket-keeper batsman Derwin Christian, struck an unbeaten 95 on Saturday night to lead Munroe Road into the semifinals of the UWI T20 tournament, upsetting defending champions Esmeralda at the UWI SPEC, St Augustine.
Munroe Road, which will play in the premier division of the national cricket league this season, posted 151/5 thanks to Christian's 61-ball innings. K. Joseph contributed 30 off 40 balls, while Rishaad Harris was the pick of the Esmeralda bowlers, grabbing 2/6 in three overs.
Nishal Gayadeen ensured Munroe's victory, snatching 3/16 in his four overs, as Esmeralda was dismissed for 109 in 18 overs. He was ably supported by James Dodds (2/22) and Imran Khan (2/24), who both took two wickets. Shazam Babwah made a valiant 35 off 25 balls, but did not get enough help.
Yesterday, Clarke Road stormed into the semifinals after defeating Tableland by 73 runs. Batting first, Clarke Road's Ranga Latchana top scored with 84 to guide his team to a massive 233/4. Yannick Ottley and Derone Davis added 49 and 40 respectively. In reply, Tableland was bundled out for 160.
Munroe Road and Clarke Road will face each other in the second semifinal on Thursday at 6.30 pm. Queen's Park will play the winner of the Merry Boys/Moosai match on Wednesday at 6.30 pm in the first semifinal. Merry Boys and Moosai were carded to play each other last night.
SCORES:
Munroe Road 151/5 (Derwin Christian 95 no, K. Joseph 30, Rishaad Harris 2/6, K. Isaac 2/36) vs Esmeralda 109 (18 overs) (Shazam Babwah 35, Nishal Gayadeen 3/16, James Dodds 2/22, Imran Khan 2/24) Munroe Rd won by 42 runs
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Clarke Road 233/4 (Ranga Latchana 84, Yannick Ottley 49, Derone Davis 40) vs Tableland 160 (Uthman Mohammed 35 no) Clarke Rd won by 73 runs