Matthew Patrick's excellent all-round performance led the Central Zone into the final of the BGTT Under-13 InterZone competition yesterday, defeating Tobago by seven wickets at the Caroni Savannah in a low scoring encounter.Tobago won the toss and elected to bat and the Central bowlers made them regret their decision. Brandon Ali was the chief destroyer, taking 4/6 to dismiss the boys from the sister isle for only 40 in 29 overs. Crystian Thurton and Patrick also contributed to the demise of the Tobago batsmen, grabbing 2/8 and 3/4 respectively.
In response, Tobago felt they were in with a chance with Central on 17/3. However, Patrick and Thurton steadied the ship to guide Central to the their target without any further hiccups. Patrick finished with a top-score of 25, while Thurton made 11.In the other semifinal at Honeymoon Park, El Dorado, East escaped with a six-run win against South-East. East were bundled out for a dismal 57 thanks to the right-arm spin of Avinash Mahabirsingh. Mahabirsingh grabbed 4/15, while Kurem Noel snatched 3/12. The dangerous Kirston Kallicharan could only muster seven this time. Kallicharan blasted 132 last week against North-East.
However, Kallicharan returned later in the day to take 4/21 with his leg-spin to restrict South-East to 51 all out. Kallicharan was ably supported by Ronaldo Forrester's 2/3. East will face Central in the final on Tuesday at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.
SCORES
AT CARONI SAVANNAH: Tobago 40 (29 overs) (Brandon Ali 4/6, Matthew Patrick 3/4, Crystian Thurton 2/8) vs Central 41/3 (14.3 overs) (Patrick 25 n.o., Thurton 11 n.o.). Central won by 7 wickets.
AT HONEYMOON PARK: East 57 (Shoaio Emmalie 12, Kirston Kallicharan 7, Avinash Mahabirsingh 4/15, Kurem Noel 3/12, Brandon Singh 2/9) vs South-East 51 (Mahabirsingh 12, Noel 10, Kallicharan 4/21, Ronaldo Forrester 2/3). East won six runs.
