Merry Boys stormed its way into the final four of the UWI T20 cricket tournament, as Aaron Alfred struck 68 to lead his team to a comfortable 40-run win over Moosai on Sunday night at UWI SPEC in St Augustine.
Led by Alfred's 45-ball knock, Merry Boys posted 177/6 batting first in the last semifinal match. Alfred, who slammed four sixes and six fours, was supported by Aneil Kanhai, who made a brisk 39 off 24 deliveries.
Jahron Alfred was the best bowler for Moosai, taking 2/31 in four overs. Anthony Simmons also grabbed two wickets, but conceded 53 runs in his four overs.
In reply, Moosai got off to a disastrous start, as it was quickly reduced to 45/5. The pair of Stephan Wharwood and Simmons gave Moosai a glimmer of hope sharing in a solid stand. However, with the score on 85, national fast bowler Rayad Emrit got the breakthrough, removing Simmons' furniture for 25.
Moosai limped to 137/8 in its 20 overs as Wharwood top scored with 44. Atiba Alert snatched 3/26, while Emrit (2/23) and Marlon Richards (2/27) both ended with two wickets.
Queen's Park will play Merry Boys in the first semifinal tomorrow, while Munroe Road and Clarke Road face each other on Thursday. The final will be contested on Saturday.
SCORES
AT UWI SPEC: Merry Boys 177/6 (Aaron Alfred 68, Aneil Kanhai 39, Jahron Alfred 2/31, Anthony Simmons 2/53) vs Moosai 137/8 (Stephan Wharwood 44, Simmons 25, Atiba Alert 3/26, Rayad Emrit 2/23, Marlon Richards 2/27). Merry Boys won by 40 runs.
SEMIFINAL FIXTURES
Tomorrow: Queen's Park vs Merry Boys, 6.30 pm
Thursday: Munroe Road vs Clarke Road, 6.30 pm
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