North East pulled off a stunning one-wicket victory over North Zone in the Evolution Fitness Gym Under-15 Reserve Interzone Tournament hosted by the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) in nail-biter at Hillview College ground in Tunapuna on Thursday.
Due to heavy rain, coach Kevin Joseph confirmed the standard 40-over developmental format was reduced to 20 overs per side. In a high-stakes final Group A fixture where "all was to play for," North East captain Reagan Rambaran won the toss and elected to bowl.
North Zone was restricted to 99-9 in their allotted 20 overs. Right-handed batter Jayden Feels led the scoring with a gritty 24. The North East bowling attack was spearheaded by left-arm swing bowler Avidesh Ramdath (2-16) and off-spinner Josiah Miranda, who maintained immense pressure with figures of 1-9 from his four overs.
In reply, North East Reserves started well, losing their first wicket at 26 runs. North Zone then took control of the game by reducing North East Reserves to 74-9 in the 17th over which left them needing a further 26 runs with the final pair at the crease.
Ashmir Ramlal (26 not out) and Terrel Oliver (14 not out) kept their composure and won the match when Oliver, with scores tied, struck a boundary of the penultimate delivery of the final over to win a thrilling victory for the youngsters from the North East.
The result leaves Group A in a deadlock, with East, North East, and North all finishing with one win apiece. However, thanks to the bonus points system, North Zone emerged as the group winner despite the loss and will take on Central in the final today at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, at 10 am.
Summarised scores
North Zone U-15: 99/9 (20 overs) (Jayden Feels 24, Avidesh Ramdath 2/16, Josiah Miranda 1/9) vs North East Reserves U-15 103/9 (19.5 overs) (Ashmir Ramlal 26 not out, Terrel Oliver 14 not out). North East Reserves U-15 won by 1 wicket (with 1 ball remaining).
