vinode.mamchan@guardian.co.tt
NLCB South won the Flood Relief Charity T20 cricket match by defeating First Citizens North by 20 runs at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain on Saturday night.
The event dubbed "Cricket with Heart" which was organised to raise funds to help victims of the October flooding in East, south and central Trinidad was well attended, despite the consistent rains which affected during the past week did keep away the patrons who were treated to Tassa drumming, music and dancers.
Batting first, South made 149 for nine wickets off their 20 overs with Kyle Hope getting a top score of 67 off 47 balls. Also getting among the runs was another foreigner in fast bowler Odean Smith. The right-hander slapped 29 off just 16 balls. The best of the bowlers for North was Akeal Hosein who grabbed three for 32 runs.
North in reply could only muster 129 runs for eight wickets off its 20 overs with Keiron Pollard, the captain leading the way with 34 off 24 balls and wicketkeeper Amir Jangoo, who scored 28 off 31 balls. Off-spinner Jon Russ Jaggessar continued his fine form from the CWI Super50 in taking two for 12, while Smith returned with the ball to snatch two for 13.
Colin Borde who was the manager of the North team and a member of the organising committee said, "The game, although played in great spirit was fiercely competitive. Both dressing rooms were buzzing with banter and with South winning, there is already talk of a revenge match to be taken to the Southland.
“We must say a heartfelt thank you to the patrons that came out to support this great event. Kids got to take pictures with their favourite players, so, it was a very successful event,” said Borde.
SCORES
North vs South Charity T20 Match
South 149 for 9 (20) K.Hope 67(47), O.Smith 29 (16), A.Hosein 3/32
vs North 129 for 8 (20) K.Pollard 34 (24), Jangoo 28 (31), J.Jagessar 2/12, Odean Smith 2/13.
NLCB South defeated FCB North by 20 runs.