Adrian Ali (99) leads Trinidad to series win over Tobago Marlins

TRINIDAD’S National League team defeated Tobago Marlins by eight wickets on Sunday to clinch a three-match series 2-0 at Shaw Park, Tobago on Sunday.

In the 40-over contest, the eventual man of the match Adrian Ali (99) missed out on a century by one run but was instrumental in Trinidad posting a hefty 256/6 in the first innings.

Ali hit six fours and two sixes and got good support from Rajeev Ramnath (43), who lashed four boundaries. Dexter Sween also played a brilliant cameo, smashing five maximums in his unbeaten 39 from 17 balls.

In reply, Tobago Marlins got a promising start from openers Dario Melville (eight) and Ashaughn Pierre (31), who put on 45 in an opening stand.

But after Melville and Pierre were dismissed, only lower-order batsman Dejourn Charles showed some fight as he hit three boundaries and a six in his team’s top score of 41.

In the end, Tobago Marlins were bundled out for 160 in 34 overs.

Trinidad spinner Namir Suepaul took 3/22 in eight overs while Andrew Ramaran and Shatrughan Rambaran snapped up two wickets each.

On Friday, the series opened with a 50-over match which Trinidad also won by eight wickets.

Trinidad’s Ricky Jaipaul grabbed 4/36 as Tobago Marlins, sent in to bat made 154 in 38.5 overs.

The home side got valuable contributions from Ashaughn Pierre (39), Keylon Lynch (36), and 22 each from opener Jason Persad and Ancil Nedd.

But Jaipaul and Shatrughan (2/24) proved too much to handle.

In their turn at the crease, Trinidad made light work of the target racing to 155 for the loss of two wickets in 25.4 overs.

Ramnath (31) continued his consistent form hitting two fours while Navin Bidaisee finished unbeaten on 15.

A T20 fixture scheduled for Saturday was called off because of inclement weather.

After the series, in-form batsman Ali said, “Although the series was a step in the right direction by the TT Cricket Board, the performances reflected the gap that exists in the talent pool between the teams. Quite honestly I expected a little more from the Tobagonians.

He said Tobagonians should be exposed to a higher level of competition to help their development and lift their game but the results of the matches should not in any way detract from the strength the National League team.