The South Zone inched into the final of the BG T&T Under-17 50-over Interzone cricket competition yesterday, as right-handed batsman Adrian Paharry struck 58 to lead the team to a narrow two-wicket win over East at the National Cricket Centre, Couva.
Chasing 134 for victory, South limped to the target in 32 overs. Paharry, who was South's top scorer, was supported by Renny Jamgeesingh, who pitched in with 20. Nathaniel McDavid (3/25) and Keagan Simmons (3/19) both took three wickets for East. Earlier, Imran Khan was the chief destroyer grabbing 3/29, while Jonathan Hosein was the best batsman for East, scoring 26.
At Presentation College, Chaguanas, North eased past Central by five wickets to join South in the final. Central could only muster 102 all out in 37.1 overs, as Craig Iqwe took 4/41. Former national U-17 player Jarlarnie Seales made a valiant 26 for the Central zone. In reply, Brandon Maraj made 26 of his own as North got home with almost 20 overs to spare. Dexter Sween contributed 17, while Bryan Boodram (2/21) and Emilo Gopaul (2/27) grabbed two wickets each for Central.
South and North will meet in the final on Tuesday at the National Cricket Centre.
SCORES
At Presentation, Chaguanas: Central 102 (37.1 overs) (Jarlarnie Seales 26, Shastri Gopaul 12, Craig Iqwe 4/41, Anand Lochan 3/12, Cavon Byne 1/3) vs North 104/5 (30.2 overs) (Brandon Maraj 26, Dexter Sween 17, Bryan Boodram 2/21, Emilo Gopaul 2/27) North won by five wickets
At National Cricket Centre: East 133 (32.4 overs) (Jonathan Hosein 26, Kerron Simmons 25, Cafu Chin Shue 2/24, Renny Jamgeesingh 2/18, Imran Hosein 3/29, Areon Mohammed 2/15) vs South 136/8 (32 overs) (Adrian Paharry 58, Jamgeesingh 20, Nathaniel McDavid 3/25, Keagan Simmons 3/19) South won by two wickets
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