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Red Force skipper on Super50 final: Play smart, win for Jason

TRINIDAD and Tobago Red Force chase history, silverware and a sentimental send-off for star veteran Jason Mohammed when they take on Barbados Pride in the 2025 CG United Super50 Cup final at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, on November 29, from 2 pm.

For TT captain Joshua Da Silva, it is a chance to lift his first senior national title as Red Force skipper. For head coach Rayad Emrit, it represents an opportunity to claim his maiden Super50 crown since taking charge. Another added incentive is a fairytale ending for veteran all-rounder Mohammed, 39, who will be making his final appearance for Red Force in the 50-over format.

Da Silva, whose team stormed into the final with a commanding eight-wicket semi-final win over Leeward Islands Hurricanes on November 27, said Red Force’s success will depend heavily on team discipline, especially against a seasoned Barbados outfit.

Red Force last won the Super50 crown in 2023, and are, by default, defending champions since no winner was crowned at last year’s edition, in a farcical and rain-affected final that ended in a forfeiture.

Da Silva wants clear skies and a comprehensive performance from his fully-fit squad.

“We have to play smart cricket. Once we do the right things properly for a long period of time… Barbados have a lot of experience and they’re not shy to the position as well. It’s just one game, so make sure we play the best cricket that we can and find a way to bring home the title again,” said the wicketkeeper-batsman.

This year, the tournament was heavily curtailed by persistent rain in Trinidad. Red Force topped the six-team standings after five rounds, and were the only team to notch three wins from five matches, with two no-results.

Second-placed Barbados had two wins from five, with three no-results, while third-placed Windward Islands Volcanoes won two, lost one and suffered two no-results; all owing to rain or a wet outfield.

Despite these setbacks, TT’s victory over Leewards put them in the driving seat heading into the trophy match. Momentum, Da Silva said, is firmly on their side, with both batters and bowlers stepping up when it matters most.

The Red Force skipper also highlighted the impact of returning international Amir Jangoo and the value of Mohammed’s experience ahead of his farewell match, stressing that Red Force’s depth had come together at the right time.

Jangoo was brought in ahead of the Leewards clash, replacing opener Kjorn Ottley, who was ruled out of the rest of the tournament owing to a back injury. On his return, Jangoo smashed an unbeaten 72, partnered with Tion Webster’s knock of 83 and Jyd Goolie’s 23 not out, to lead them into the final.

“Amir obviously comes on and boosts the batting line-up a lot. He brings back his experience from international cricket.

“We have Jason Mohammed who is going to play his final game in the 50-over tournament. The experience he brings is going to be crucial to us. And we see all the bowlers are bowling pretty well, so it’s just about using those things to get the right combination and get the result,” Da Silva said.

For Da Silva, captaining the TT Legions to the maiden Breakout League T20 title earlier this year was a welcomed achievement, and his first as skipper. However, that league featured franchise players in each squad. Now, he is eager to lead an all-TT Red Force side to a regional title, and believes he can achieve that milestone by overcoming the Pride.

“It would mean a lot because as captain for a few years now, we’ve gotten close. Last year we were eliminated in the semi-final and the four-day title eluded us again. It will be nice to get the first one (Red Force trophy as captain). Hopefully that sparks some more titles in the future. I know for Rayad, that will be his first as TT coach as well and to send Jason off with a title would be really good.”

Mohammed, who will bow out of Super50 cricket as the competition’s all-time leading run-scorer (3,815 runs), urged supporters to rally behind the team on his final day in national colours.

“I want to encourage the fans to come out and support us. It’s my last game but the more important factor is that TT are playing in a final. That’s the most important thing for us, to win this tournament. It’s my last and I’d like the fans to come out, we put together a good game of cricket and win this so it could be a good send-off for me,” he said in a Red Force interview on November 28.

As he prepares to walk away from the format, Mohammed said finishing atop the Super50 all-time run-scorers list is something he will cherish deeply.

“It’s a great feeling to finish my career as the all-time leading run-scorer in Super50 cricket, I think is a great achievement. I can lift my head high and say I’ve done some good things for TT cricket.”

CG United Super50 Cup squads:

TT Red Force – Joshua Da Silva (captain), Navin Bidaisee, Yannic Cariah, Bryan Charles, Cephas Cooper, Jyd Goolie, Terrance Hinds, Ricky Jaipaul, Joshua James, Jason Mohammed, Amir Jangoo, Shatrughan Rambaran, Abdul-Raheem Toppin, Tion Webster, Rayad Emrit (head coach)

Barbados Pride – Kyle Mayers (captain), Joshua Bishop, Leniko Boucher, Kraigg Brathwaite, Dominic Drakes, Jonathan Drakes, Akeem Jordan, Matthew Jones, Javed Leacock, Zachary McCaskie, Demetrius Richards, Kemar Smith, Kevin Wickham, Nyeem Young, Vasbert Drakes (head coach)

New faces for Red Force as Da Silva resumes captaincy for Super50 Cup

Wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva returns to skipper the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force for the 2025 CG United Super50 Cup, which bowls off in Trinidad from November 19.

Da Silva was confirmed as captain on November 1, when the TT Cricket Board (TTCB) announced the 14-member Red Force team to face Barbados Royals in their opener fixture at Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St Augustine.

Five players achieved their maiden call-up to the Super50 squad for this year’s competition: all-rounders Shatrughan Rambaran and Ricky Jaipaul, rising fast bowler and TTCB 50-over Cup MVP Abdul Raheem Toppin, right-handed batsman Cephas Cooper and leg-spinner Navin Bidaisee.

However, Bidaisee and Cooper previously represented TT in the West Indies Championship (regional four-day) while Rambaran featured in the Super50 Cup before, but for Combined Campuses and College.

Seasoned contenders such as Jason Mohammed, Yannic Cariah, Terrance Hinds and Tion Webster all made the cut, but the Red Force will be without key players such as Akeal Hosein, Anderson Phillip, Amir Jangoo, Jayden Seales and Khary Pierre; all on West Indies duty.

Red Force head coach Rayad Emrit believes his team represents a healthy balance of youth and experience, despite several senior players being unavailable. The 2023 champions enter the tournament with a reshuffled but promising unit.

Emrit said the changes were a timely opportunity to refresh the squad and expose emerging players to top-level competition.

“It’s a good mixture of senior players and youngsters. I thought it was the right opportunity now to get some youngsters in,” Emrit said.

Emrit said the new inclusions earned their places through consistent performances and hard work in local cricket and the earlier Super50 trial matches.

“Shatrughan has played for CCC, so he’s played at this level before. It’s not new to him. Being in a national team obviously is new to him,” Emrit said. “Toppin has just played under-19 and he’s been around the guys and he’s been very impressive. I think rewarding them at this point in time is very crucial.”

For Emrit, early opportunities for young players are vital in preparing them to step up seamlessly when senior stars are unavailable.

“The message you want to send now is that the guys are doing well. You don’t want to wait too long before you give them that opportunity,” he added. “Giving them opportunities so that when the senior players go, they’re not just going to be thrown into the team and don’t know what to do.”

Emrit confirmed that Da Silva’s calm leadership and growing experience will be crucial as the team looks to reclaim regional one-day supremacy.

Da Silva, who also led the team in the regional four-day championship, has earned Emrit’s full backing to guide a squad in transition.

“Josh, he’s someone who leads from the front. He has done it before the championship this year. I don’t think it will be anything different. He likes to win. He likes to set the example from the front. He’s easy-going and above expectations.”

Emrit said the team’s main focus will be on maintaining a positive brand of cricket and fostering a strong team culture.

“We just want to bring a brand of cricket that is impressive and positive. We’re going to try to change the culture as we go along. Guys want to be there—it shouldn’t be a task. You enjoy playing, no matter what it is. That’s what we’re trying to achieve.”

Red Force begin their campaign against Barbados, a side Emrit expects to provide a tough opening test given the teams’ recent history. Barbados went on to meet Jamaica Scorpions in the final at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, but persistent rainfall significantly delayed the match.

When the toss was scheduled to be taken, hours after the match’s initial start, both captains forfeited the toss, refusing to play. As a result, Cricket West Indies declared that no champion would be crowned.

“Barbados has always been a very good white-ball team. We got the better of them in the preliminary round last year and they got the better of us in the semi-finals. We’re obviously going to want some revenge there.”

With both teams missing key players to international commitments, Emrit said the early stages of the tournament will hinge on momentum.

“In these short tournaments, you want to start well. If we can get a good start and get a victory early on, that would be a plus.”

TT Red Force Team for CG United Super50 Cup

Joshua Da Silva (captain), Kjorn Ottley, Tion Webster, Jason Mohammed, Jyd Goolie, Yannic Cariah, Terrance Hinds, Joshua James, Ricky Jaipaul, Bryan Charles, Cephas Cooper, Shatrughan Rambaran, Abdul Raheem Toppin, Navin Bidaisee

Super50 Cup Day One Match Schedule (November 19) — All matches begin at 9 am

TT Red Force vs Barbados Royals at Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, St Augustine

Jamaica Scoprions vs Guyana Harpy Eagles at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain

Windward Islands Volcano vs Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba

Three players hit fifites, but rain spoils party in Super50 trials

TRINIDAD and Tobago Red Force hopefuls were robbed of the opportunity of a full day’s tune-up on October 8 when the two games in the TT Cricket Board’s National Senior 50-Overs Cup were rained out.

At the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, three batsmen scored fifties for the Scarlet Blazers versus the Cocrico Warriors, but their team’s promising innings was cut short in the 44th over with the score on 271 for five. Opening batsman Mbeki Joseph (five) was dismissed early by former Windies pacer Shannon Gabriel, before Jeremy Solozano (76 off 81 balls) and Red Force skipper Joshua Da Silva (57 off 46) put on 100 runs in 15 overs before the latter retired hurt in the 19th over.

With Da Silva heading back to the pavilion, Vikash Mohan (51 off 50) also showed good form and put on 69 with Solozano before the latter was dismissed by Matthew Patrick, who grabbed figures of two for 42. Solozano hit seven fours and two sixes in his knock. Justin Jagessar (32 off 28) and Daniel Williams (21 not out off 24) both got starts before the rain prematurely brought an end to the Blazers’ innings and the game as a whole.

At the National Cricket Centre, Couva, no play was possible between the Soca Strikers and Steelpan Titans, who both registered wins on the opening day of the tourney on October 4. The final matches in the preliminary round of the four-team preparatory tourney will be played on October 15, when the Titans face the Warriors at NCC and the Blazers meet the Strikers at the BLCA. The tournament is being used as preparation for players vying to make the Red Force squad for the upcoming CG United Super50 tournament.

Summarised Scores:

SCARLET BLAZERS – 271/5 from 43.3 overs (Jeremy Solozano 76, Joshua Da Silva 57, Vikash Mohan 51, Justin Jagessar 32; Matthew Patrick 2/42) vs COCRICO WARRIORS.

Pooran on loss to Royals: No excuses, we must do better

TRINBAGO Knight Riders (TKR) captain Nicholas Pooran said his team’s batsmen need to take accountability and show more responsibility after the four-time Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions fell to a third straight loss in the 2025 campaign – going down by seven wickets to the already eliminated Barbados Royals at Kensington Oval, Barbados on September 12.

TKR still sit atop the six-team table on 12 points from ten matches, but their form has worryingly dipped ahead of the playoffs after a fantastic home leg, which saw them win four of their five matches.

Batting first, TKR again had a rocky start with the bat as they slipped to 28 for three inside the power play after an early double strike by Man of the Match Chris Green (three for nine). When Green got the wicket of a struggling Keacy Carty (eight) in the eighth over, TKR slipped to 41 for four. However, a timely 71-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Pooran (45 off 44 balls) and the in-form Kieron Pollard (36 off 25) addressed the slide before lower-order batsman Akeal Hosein (23 not out off six) finished the innings in style with three consecutive sixes off part-time bowler Sherfane Rutherford (one for 29).

TKR closed on 166 for eight and Pooran felt they had a chance.

“I think we’re not batting properly in the power play to begin with. We’re losing too many wickets in the power play. And when you lose two and three wickets in the power play, it’s a big step back. I still felt like we were in the game with 167,” Pooran said, at the post-match presentation.

“It’s all about playing the situation and digging deep as much as possible. The young leg-spinner (Zishan Motara) came on and we had an opportunity to score and we tried our best to take that.

Barbados Royals spinner Chris Green celebrates the dismissal of Trinbago Knight Riders opening batsman Royals Alex Hales during their Men’s 2025 Republic Bank CPL match at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on September 12. (Photo courtesy Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images) –

“Unfortunately, Polly got out in the wrong time there. Dre (Andre Russell) and myself couldn’t capitalise in the last over. Akeal came and finished the innings brilliantly and gave us a chance to win the game.”

New Zealand opening batsman Colin Munro (373 runs) is the second-leading scorer in the CPL so far this season, while his opening partner Alex Hales has so far scored 248 runs with a pair of fifties. However, the aggressive openers have gone off the boil in the three-game losing skid. Munro has registered scores of nought, 17 and four in the last three games, with Hales just slightly better in the last three innings with scores of nine, seven and 15. To add to the recent lean returns of the opening pair, Carty and veteran Darren Bravo have also struggled to find their tempo in the top order, with wicket-keeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva making just seven in a rare appearance at number three versus the Royals.

“Obviously, we’ve been batting first and it’s been challenging for us. But again, there are no excuses. As a batting group, we have been disappointing ourselves. I think the batsmen have to take accountability as well. We need to dig deeper as experienced players.”

Similar to their scratchy start with the bat, TKR had a below-par start with the ball in the power play in the second innings as the pair of South African Quinton de Kock (55 off 35) and Barbados’ Kadeem Alleyne (36 off 27) took their team to 62 without loss after six overs as part of their 87-run partnership. With the Royals progressing to 97 for one after ten overs, they looked to be heading to an easy victory. However, the mystery of Sunil Narine (none for 18 from four overs) and the deception of Pakistani off-spinner Usman Tariq (two for 23) kept TKR in the contest.

“Early wickets is something we search for and we didn’t get them today. Kudos must be given to our bowlers as well. I think they fought really, really well. Usman and Sunil bowled really well in the middle overs and gave us a chance in the last five overs of the game. We lost the game there by obviously not executing our skills with the wet ball.”

The Royals slowed down dramatically in the middle overs and their flow wasn’t helped by the dismissals of de Kock and his countryman Rassie van der Dussen (seven).

Batting at number four, Rutherford (32 not out off 26) had a very slow start to his innings and even had a strike rate of 50 at one stage. With four overs left, the Royals still needed 45 to win and TKR seemed to have some hope.

However, Royals skipper Rovman Powell (27 not out off 11) clouted two sixes and a four off Russell in the 17th over while Rutherford finally picked up the pace and slammed three consecutive sixes off Pollard in the penultimate over to take the hosts to a winning score of 172 for three with an over to spare.

It was the Royals’ second win of the season and took them to five points from nine matches. TKR have long qualified for the playoffs and will secure a top two finish at the end of the preliminary round if the Guyana Amazon Warriors lose any of their last two games.

Summarised Scores:

TKR: 166/8 from 20 overs (Nicholas Pooran 45, Kieron Pollard 36, Akeal Hosein 23 not out; Chris Green 3/9, Daniel Sams 2/25) vs BARBADOS ROYALS: 172/3 from 19 overs (Quinton de Kock 55, Kadeem Alleyne 36, Sherfane Rutherford 32 not out; Usman Tariq 2/23, A Hosein 1/23). Royals won by seven wickets.

 

Ex-Windies pacer Tony Gray urges TKR to adjust to conditions

FORMER West Indies fast bowler Tony Gray believes the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) should give wrist-spinner Yannic Cariah and wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva valuable game time before the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) playoffs, since both players could add balance and depth to the team’s title push.

Gray, who has followed TKR’s progress closely throughout this year’s edition, said the pair could prove crucial in the knockout stages if given the chance to build confidence and rhythm ahead of the final round of matches.

“Yannic Cariah, for example, is a batsman who could solidify the middle. Because the top order has been given a lot of runs. You need somebody who’s an insurance man later on. And he’s also a wrist spinner. I think he brings a lot to the table. He would have been ideal last night (TKR’s seven-wicket loss to St Lucia Kings), in that sort of situation.”

Against defending champions Kings on September 3, TKR succumbed to a heavy defeat in their final of five home matches at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. However, they won their first four home games, and in the process, also qualified for the playoffs.

The loss, though, saw them slip to second on the six-team standings, with Kings rising to the top.

On Da Silva’s absence from the TKR unit, Gray stressed that the 26-year-old has matured into a far more complete T20 option than when he first broke into the setup. Da Silva is yet to feature for TKR this year, despite being named among the starters in their opening 12-run victory over St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. TKR won that contest without Da Silva getting to bat. He’s never made the starting XI since.

“Joshua Da Silva has become a better all-around batsman who could obviously ‘wicketkeep’ as well. He didn’t get an opportunity to do anything and was subsequently, replaced. People have to look at Joshua Da Silva as an explosive batsman. He’s added different layers to his game. Especially in the batting department where he can play the T20,” Gray added.

The ex-Windies quick said Da Silva knows his way around the setup having captained Trinidad and Tobago Legions to the the inaugural Cricket West Indies Breakout T20 League title earlier this year.

Gray’s call comes after TKR wrapped up their five-match home leg with the loss to St Lucia Kings. That defeat cost them top spot on the CPL table, though they had already sealed playoff qualification.

“At the start of their efforts in Trinidad, I thought that they would have looked to at least win four out of five. So, it was not bad performance. The last game (vs St Lucia Kings), they did not make adjustments to the kind of pitch that they were playing on. They offered a lot for the spinners. I think that they should have adjusted their mindset initially when they saw the ball spinning all over the place. And they should have been thinking that this is a 140 (runs) pitch and not a 160 pitch.”

Despite the stumble, Gray praised TKR’s batting line-up, which has shown mettle thus far, to rack up an impressive six wins from eight matches.

Looking ahead to matches in Barbados and Guyana before the knockout rounds, Gray said TKR must balance their desire to win with the need to give fringe players exposure, particularly with injury concerns in the camp.

“They have to try to play players who have not played before. Anything can happen. Mohamed Amir got injured. But he could be out of the tournament. You need to give other players an opportunity to play in the middle in a heat of competition for them to have some form going into the latter stages.”

Gray also touched on Dwayne Bravo’s first year as TKR head coach, calling the former all-rounder’s mindset “phenomenal.”

He added, “This is a new challenge being the head coach of TKR for the first time. Bravo will want to win because he always wants to achieve new goals. He’s a source of inspiration for his team.”

Gray pointed to the Kings and Guyana Amazon Warriors as TKR’s biggest threats, with Barbados Royals, despite being in cellar position, still dangerous given their home advantage with six games to play.

TKR hunt winning start in CPL against Patriots

Four-time Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) begin their quest for a potential fifth title when they open their 2025 campaign against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Warner Park in St Kitts on August 17, from 11 am.

TKR will be goal-bound on securing a winning start, but will have to be firing on all cylinders to face a Patriots squad eager to get back to winning ways.

Patriots won by six wickets against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the CPL opener on August 14, but succumbed to a five-wicket loss against last year’s runners-up Guyana Amazon Warriors the following day.

However, a star-studded TKR line-up seems ready for any challenge, led by newly-minted skipper Nicholas Pooran.

TKR boast heavy artillery in both bowling and batting departments, with all-rounders Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell leading the charge.

Joining the big-hitters are International Cricket Council’s (ICC) men’s T20 number three bowler Akeal Hosein, ace spinner Sunil Narine and fast bowlers Terrance Hinds and American Ali Khan.

Left-handed batsman Darren Bravo makes a return to the TT franchise, alongside compatriots Joshua Da Silva and spinner Yannic Cariah.

TKR’s foreign-based talent this year also comprises a talented cast. Among them are English top-order batsman Alex Hales, New Zealand left-hander Colin Munro and the Pakistani pair of off-spinner Usman Tariq and pacer Mohammad Amir.

West Indies middle-order batsman Keacy Carty brings strength in the line-up alongside youngsters McKenny Clarke of St Lucia and Nathan Edward of Leeward Islands.

Patriots, however, are also made up of an able-bodied bunch inclusive of regional standouts like batting opener Even Lewis, all-rounder Jason Holder, wicketkeeper/batsman Andre Fletcher, Alick Athanaze, Jyd Goolie, Mikyle Louis and Jeremiah Louis, among others.

Afghan fast bowler Afzalhaq Farooqi, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch, Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz and compatriot Waqar Salamkheil also make up a well-rounded Patriots outfit.

After TKR’s opener, attention shifts to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua as the Falcons play host to defending champions St Lucia Kings in the latter’s opening fixture.

This year, the CPL has adopted the ICC T20 International playing conditions. This brings CPL matches in line with the global standard, ensuring the tournament remains one of the premier cricketing showcases in the world.

The recent updates to the ICC’s T20I playing conditions – particularly the stricter over rate rules – have led to notable improvements in match completion times across international cricket.

By adopting these same rules, the CPL aims to ensure more predictable match durations, enhancing the experience for fans, broadcasters and all stakeholders involved.

Da Silva can make WI team

THE EDITOR: Joshua Da Silva has continually proven himself as a reliable and skilled wicketkeeper-batsman for the West Indies, earning widespread respect for his consistency and dedication. Despite this, he was not included in the team for the current series against Australia. The reasons for such selections are often complex and multifaceted, involving factors like team strategy, coaching decisions, player form, fitness levels, and specific match conditions.

While Da Silva has demonstrated solid performances with both the bat and behind the wicket, selectors might have opted for players with different attributes or experience to balance the team composition. Sometimes, team management prioritises certain skills or tactical approaches over individual merit, especially in high-stakes series.

However, considering his track record and trust from teammates and coaching staff, it’s widely believed that Da Silva remains an integral part of the squad. His consistent performance and reputation as a dependable keeper-batsman make him a strong candidate for selection in upcoming series, including potentially the series against England and India.

Ultimately, selection decisions are made with a broad view of team dynamics, and Da Silva’s proven record will likely ensure his inclusion in future matches, reflecting confidence in his abilities and importance to the team’s success.

GORDON LAUGHLIN

via e-mail

Joshua’s trials and WI future

Throughout my years of involvement in cricket I have always found it interesting the way selectors went about choosing their teams to represent their countries in Test cricket. Essentially in this format, it has always been the one to bring out the true strength of a cricket team, simply because one side has to bowl out the other twice in order to win

Nevertheless, the main objective is the defeat of one’s opponent. Hence, consideration has to be given to the conditions of the pitch, the weather patterns, plus the strengths and weaknesses of the other team. Selectors, as a rule, have to view many games under several conditions, therefore, they ought to be endowed with a deep sense of cricket knowledge and the ability to read a game as it flows. Consistency of performance is important, plus the evaluation of the match being played with regard to the bowling to batsmen’s weaknesses and the batting advantages of the field-placing, hence, opportunities taken as often as possible by intelligent running between the wickets, when to defend and when to attack, with an eye always on the score and on the plan.

Joshua Da Silva was 20 years old when he was drafted into the Trinidad and Tobago team to represent his country in first-class cricket, most young cricketers’ ambition. At the tender age of 22 he achieved his ambition to play for the West Indies.

–

In November/December 2023 in a practical course of on-the-field leadership, Da Silva was chosen to lead the WI “A” team on a tour of South Africa where they played three four-day matches against South Africa “A”. He earned this right following his success against Bangladesh “A” earlier that year.

Lead selector, the most honourable Dr Desmond Haynes, said the panel picked a balanced team to give the players more exposure in overseas conditions, similarly to the previous “A” team tour to Bangladesh. Haynes added: “Da Silva did an outstanding job as captain in the “Tests” in Bangladesh and he is again the captain for this tour.

By the time he was 26, the young Trinidadian was the first-choice wicketkeeper on the WI team for 33 consecutive Test matches. His deportment, presence of mind, understanding of the game, plus his popularity, had grown so swiftly during that time that he was given the added responsibility of being the vice-captain to then WI skipper, the Barbadian Kraigg Brathwaite.

In late 2024 he was the vice-captain of the WI team under Brathwaite on their trip to Pakistan for a two-Test series. Lo and behold, he was unceremoniously dropped from the team for both Tests. There wasn’t a hint of trouble forecast. I understand that he was informed to improve his batting as at his position in the batting order, he was expected to produce runs.

Because he was found wanting in this department, the 26 year old, a youthful Test player by any stretch of the imagination, worked on his batting. In the only cricket possible during this time that involved first-class players, the West Indies T20 Breakout League, Da Silva led his TT Legions to championship victory over his rivals.

He showed his leadership skills, plus his effectiveness which, when added to his ambition, with a team feeding off his motivation, created a fantastic effort of durability, accompanied by the determination to win. It was strictly through perseverance and dynamism, ignited by self-confidence, driven by captain Da Silva, that earned the spoils of victory for the TT team. His batting average was in the mid-sixties in the tournament. It proved the sterling character of the individual, to win this West Indian challenge upon his return to the WI after his humiliation in Pakistan.

I’m trying to work out the reason for the removal of Da Silva after 33 Test matches and firstly, to replace him as vice-captain with Jomel Warrican, a useful spin bowler whom, however, I can’t come across any evidence in his background that he has been a captain of any representative team – unless it was in St Vincent, where he was born and is a citizen.

Even if he was being trained for the captaincy, I believe one must have experience in leadership. And, I should add, he’s 33 years old – the same age as the new captain, Roston Chase.

CWI, where are we going?

As usual, I hope for the best in our upcoming Test series against Australia, but our leadership lacks quality.

 

[UPDATED] TT Legions win Breakout T20 title, Emrit impressed with overall talent

Trinidad and Tobago Legions copped the inaugural Cricket West Indies Breakout League T20 title after defeating Leeward Islands Thunder by 17 runs, in an entertaining final at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on May 10.

Sent in to bat, Legions posted a challenging total of 181/5 after 20 overs after losing their way in the middle overs. The hosts were in the driver seat at 82 for one in the tenth over, before slipping to 83 for four. However, enterprising knocks from opener Kamil Pooran (73 off 44 balls) and captain Joshua Da Silva (40 not out off 31) revived the innings.

In reply, Leewards gave the hosts an early scare in their chase, but were restricted to 164/9 as the Legions put the clamps on their batsmen.

Legions coach Rayad Emrit said the team fell about 20 runs short of their target, but he was very confident that anything over 175 could have been defended/

He said the flurry of wickets derailed them slightly, but at the halfway stage of their innings, they knew one good partnership would get them to a good score.

“Kamil set the game up nicely for the lower order,” he said.

Pooran and fellow opener Amir Jangoo put on a solid stance of 52 runs to give TT a positive start, punishing the Leewards bowlers all around the ground.

However, Leewards skipper Karima Gore tried his hand in the final power-play over and was rewarded when Jangoo played into the hands of Mikyle Louis.

New batsman Navin Bidaisee and Pooran added 30 runs runs to their total before Bidaisee was caught by Gore off Anderson Mahase’s slow left-arm spin.

Jyd Goolie faced two balls and departed without scoring courtesy leg-spinner Micah McKenzie. Legions’ Crystian Thurton also returned to pavilion without scoring, trapped plumb leg-before to Karima Gore after facing just three balls.

With TT slipping to 83/4, Da Silva joined Pooran in the middle and repaired the innings. Pooran batted fearlessly and smashed four sixes and seven fours in his aggressive knock.

However, on the final ball of the 15th over, Pooran’s scintillating effort ended as he was caught in the deep trying to hit Mahase for six. When he was dismissed, TT were 122/5.

With five overs remaining, Da Silva and Joshua James (26 not out off 16 balls) kept the fireworks going as they guided Legions to a formidable 181/5 from 20 overs.

Da Silva hit one six and four fours in his unbeaten knock of 40. James, who is currently banned from bowling due to an illegal action, hit one boundary and two sixes.

Topping the bowling for Thunder were Gore (2/22) and McKenzie (2/29).

On James’ late fireworks, Emrit said the Tobagonian showed his mettle and worth.

“When he got the news (that he was banned), he was very disappointed, but we know how capable he is (with the bat) and how destructive he can be on the back end. We don’t consider ourselves a team, we are a family, and he knows what he means to us.”

Set 182 for victory, Leewards had an even better start than TT in the power play as openers Kofi James (63) and Jamie Cornelius (11) posted 57 runs for the first wicket. TT fans would have been relieved to see Cornelius caught by Joshua James off McKenny Clarke in the fifth over.

However, Kofi James’ ruthlessness continued as he punished all bad balls and a few good ones as well. He and Jewel Andrew carried the score to 71 before the latter was caught by Mikel Govia off Bidaisee’s off-spin.

New batsmen Louis (one) did not last, as well as skipper Gore, who only scored five runs. At 89/4 after ten overs, and needing 92 runs from 60 balls, Leewards faced an uphill task.

Off-spinner Goolie played an integral role with the ball as he removed Kofi James for 63, caught by Joshua James. With TT regaining control of the contest, Goolie struck again as he had Mahase (four) trapped in front his stumps.

At 115/6 after 14 overs, Thunder were in a bit of trouble in pursuit of their target. Eight runs later, Goolie caught Giovante Depeiza (11) as Clarke took another wicket.

Needing 58 runs from the last five overs, Leewards’ Elroy Francis (23) and Cameron Pennyfeather (ten) bumped the score up to just over 150 runs, to take them to 155/7 after 18 overs.

With 27 runs to win, five came from the penultimate over, but not before Pennyfeather was bowled by Clarke to see Leewards stumble to 156/8.

With Francis and McKenzie (four not out) in the middle, they needed 22 from the final over.

However, Francis was caught behind by Da Silva off pacer Johann Layne as they fell short.

Legions’ best bowler was Goolie (3/13), while Clarke (3/34) also bagged three and Bidaisee 2/27.

Emrit hailed Goolie for bowling “really good and wisely” in the final.

“Spin again in the middle overs plays a big part in these matches.”

He praised his team for staying calm amid the early Kofi James storm. The batsman finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 240 runs.

“We know Kofi is that type of player. He can take the attack to us. We knew taking wickets outside the power play was crucial, and limiting run rate. We did that.”

Looking at the overall picture, Emrit said he was pleased with the overall talent level on display. He identified leg-spinners McKenzie, Guyana Rainforest Rangers’ Riyad Latiff, Windward Islands Infernos’ Darel Cyrus and TT’s Bidaisee, who excelled with bat and ball. “I think we saw a lot of young talents…I thought the tournament achieved what it wanted.”

He said the point system may need to be removed but he praised CWI and CPL for the initiative and putting on a good show. (with reporting by Stephon Nicholas)

Scores: TT LEGIONS 181-5 in 20 overs (Kamil Pooran 73, Joshua Da Silva 40 not out, Joshua James 26 not out, Amir Jangoo 23; Karima Gore 2-22, Micah McKenzie 2-29) vs LEEWARD ISLANDS THUNDER 164-9 in 20 overs (Kofi James 63, Elroy Francis 23, Jewel Andrew 14, Jamie Cornelius 11, Giovonte Depeiza 11, Cameron Pennyfeather 10; Jyd Goolie 3-13, McKenny Clarke 3-34, Navin Bidaisee 2-27).

Top batsmen

Kofi James (Leeward Islands Thunder) – 240 runs

Kevlon Anderson (Guyana Rainforest Rangers ) – 227 runs

Johann Jeremiah (Windward Islands Infernos) – 203 runs

Joshua Da Silva (TT Legions) – 161 runs

Alick Athanaze (Windward Islands Infernos) – 160 runs

Top bowlers

Micah McKenzie (Leeward Islands Thunder) – 12 wickets

Jediah Blades (Guyana Rainforest Rangers) – 10 wickets

Navin Bidaisee (TT Legions) – 10 wickets

Anderson Mahase (Leeward Islands Thunder) – 10 wickets

Ryan John (Windward Islands Infernos) – 9 wicketsa=

This story was originally published with the title “Trinidad and Tobago Legions cop inaugural Breakout League T20 final” and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Trinidad and Tobago Legions copped the inaugural Cricket West Indies Breakout League T20 title after defeating Leeward Islands Thunder by 17 runs at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on May 10.

Sent in to bat, Legions posted a challenging total of 181/5 after 20 overs. In reply, Leewards showed grit in their chase but were restricted to 164/9 owing to target bowling from the Legions’ attack.

Openers Pooran and Jangoo put on a solid stance of 52 runs to give TT a positive start. The pair punished Leewards’ introductory bowlers all around the ground and showed intent on posting a strong opening partnership.

However, Leewards skipper Karima Gore tried his hand in the final power play over and was swiftly rewarded when Jangoo played into the hands of Mikyle Louis.

New batsman Navin Bidaisee and Pooran added 30 runs to their total before Bidaisee was caught out by Gore off Anderson Mahase’s slow left-arm spin.

Jyd Goolie faced two balls and departed without scoring, but Pooran stuck to the task. Legions’ Crystian Thurton also returned to the pavilion without scoring after facing just three balls.

With TT slipping to 83/4, skipper Joshua Da Silva (40 not out) joined Pooran in the middle and the pair repaired the innings. Pooran batted fearlessly and smashed four sixes and seven fours in his aggressive knock.

On the final ball of the 15th over, however, Pooran perished after a scintillating knock, smashing a quick-fire 73 runs from 44 balls. When he was dismissed, TT were 122/5.

With five overs remaining, Da Silva and Joshua James (26 not out) kept fireworks going with the bat, as they guided Legions to a formidable 181/5 from 20 overs.

Da Silva hit one six and four fours in his unbeaten knock of 40.

Topping the bowling for Thunder were Gore (2/22) and Micah McKenzie (2/29).

Set at 182 for victory with the inaugural Breakout League T20 title on the line, Leewards had an even better start than TT in the power play as openers Kofi James (63) and Jamie Cornelius (11) posted 57 runs for the first wicket; Cornelius caught by Joshua James off McKenny Clarke’s pace.

Kofi James was ruthless with the bat and made the Legions bowlers pay, punishing all bad balls. He and Jewel Andrew carried the score to 71 before the latter was caught by Mikel Govia off Bidaisee’s off-spin.

New batsmen Louis (one) did not last, as well as skipper Gore, who only scored five runs. At 89/4 after ten overs, and needing 92 runs from 60 balls, Leewards faced an uphill task while Legions battled to keep their batsmen at bay.

Off-spinner Goolie played an integral role with the ball as he removed Kofi James for 63, caught by Joshua James.

With TT regaining control of the contest, Goolie struck again as he had Mahase (four) trapped in front of his stumps.

At 115/6 after 14 overs, Thunder were in a bit of trouble in pursuit of their target. Eight runs later, Goolie kept within the wickets, this time, catching Giovante Depeiza (11) out off Clarke’s pace.

Needing 58 runs from the last five overs, hosts Legions pressed for the remaining wickets. Leewards’ Elroy Francis (23) and Cameron Pennyfeather (ten) bumped the score up to just over 150 runs, to take them to 155/7 after 18 overs.

With 27 runs to win, five came from the penultimate over, but not before Pennyfeather was bowled by Clarke to see Leewards stumble to 156/8.

With Francis and McKenzie (four not out) in the middle, they needed 22 from the final over, but TT would not have it, as Francis was caught behind by Da Silva off Johann Layne’s pace, with just two balls remaining.

In the end, TT restricted Thunder to 164/9, to earn victory.

Legions’ best bowler was Goolie (3/13) while Clarke (3/34) also bagged three, and Bidaisee 2/27.

Joshua Da Silva: It will be an honour to captain the Windies Test team

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force captain and West Indies wicket-keeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva said it will be an honour to serve as the Windies Test captain if he is chosen to replace former skipper Kraigg Brathwaite.

The 32-year-old Brathwaite, who has played 98 Tests for the Windies, resigned from the post on March 31. Brathwaite had considered stepping down as captain during the West Indies’ two-Test tour to Pakistan in January, but was encouraged to delay the decision by Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Kishore Shallow.

With 33 Tests to his name, the 26-year-old Da Silva was the vice-captain for the tour of Pakistan. However, Da Silva didn’t play in either Test as Guyana Harpy Eagles captain Tevin Imlach took up wicket-keeping duties.

At a press briefing for the West Indies T20 Breakout League at the Hilton Conference and Trinidad Centre in Port of Spain on April 24, Da Silva was asked about murmurs which suggest that he would be the West Indies’ next red-ball leader.

“I was the vice-captain up until the…I was still the vice-captain going into Pakistan, so my name might be in the hat, but if it happens, it happens,” said Da Silva, who will lead TT Legions in the T20 Breakout tournament.

“I’ll take it. It’s an honour and pride to represent the West Indies as skipper. If it doesn’t happen, it’s life. I’m just excited and I want to play cricket for West Indies, if it is as skipper or as a player. I’m just happy to play.”

After watching on from the sidelines as the West Indies salvaged a 1-1 draw in the Test series against Pakistan, Da Silva returned with a vengeance in the regional season as he plundered 583 runs in the 2025 West Indies Four-Day Championship season to finish second on the run-scoring charts behind Red Force teammate Jason Mohammed (679 runs). Da Silva scored three centuries and two fifties in ten innings and averaged 64.77.

“Being left out of the starting XI in Pakistan was tough, but sometimes things happen to make you want to work harder,” Da Silva said. “So for me, it was just to come back and go back to the drawing board and come back to First Class cricket and dominate that format. It was to show (the selectors) that look, it’s okay, I’m fine and I’m good mentally.”

On the back of his strong regional season, Da Silva is keen on donning the maroon cap again.

“Just how I’m going to get back into that Test team is the question. I did all I can, I believe. I’ve put my hand up and it’s up them to select me.”

Although the Red Force pair of Mohammed and left-arm spinner Khary Pierre (41 wickets) topped the respective batting and bowling charts, Red Force finished the four-day campaign in third spot as the Harpy Eagles clinched a hat-trick of titles.

The next item on the agenda for the Windies Test team is a crucial one, as the regional team will play Australia in a three-match series which begins on June 25 with a clash at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

On March 31, a CWI release said a new Windies Test skipper would be announced in the coming weeks.

Joshua Da Silva: Leg-spinners can be trump cards in T20 Breakout League

Trinidad and Tobago Legions captain Joshua Da Silva believes leg-spinners can play a critical role in the April 25-May 10 West Indies T20 Breakout League, which is being held at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, and is backing TT’s Navin Bidaisee to deliver the goods.

The two-week tournament bowled off on April 25, with Windward Islands Infernos defeating Guyana Rainforest Rangers by 25 runs in the first match. In the second match on the opening night, TT Legions beat Barbados Pelicans by 64 runs.

On April 24, the captains of the six regional teams addressed the media at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, Port of Spain, and they stressed the importance of the roles leg-spinners will play in the tournament. In the tournament draft, each team was required to select a leg-spinner as one of their seven protected picks, with TT drafting PowerGen Sport Club’s Bidaisee to satisfy that criterion.

Per competition rules, the leg-spinners drafted as protected picks by the respective teams must play three of the five round-robin matches. And when they do play, they will be required to bowl at least three overs per game.

TT Legions captain Joshua Da Silva with the West Indies Breakout T20 League trophy during the media interaction with the six captains at the Hilton Hotel, Port of Spain on April 24. – Photo courtesy Daniel Prentice/CWI

The skippers were asked about this rule and how it would impact on their strategies.

“I see them as a trump card,” Da Silva said. “From (TT), we’ve had one of the best leg-spinners in Samuel Badree, so hopefully we can continue that trend in this tournament. It’s a good challenge for all captains. I think it makes us think a little more and try to find ways to fit them even when they’re bowling well.”

He said their knack for taking wickets will be crucial for any captain.

“The leg-spinners are special, especially when it’s their day. Not every day is going to be their day, but they’re trump cards because they can get wickets whenever and these are people we look to for wickets. I expect my leg-spinner to bowl his full quota, so hopefully once they don’t target him too much…”

Barbados skipper Nyeem Young has thrown his full support behind 18-year-old leg-spinner Zishan Motara to be a key cog for the Pelicans, while Guyanese captain Kemol Savory and Jamaican skipper Ramaal Lewis are backing their leg-spinners Riyad Latiff, 17, and Tamarie Redwood, 18, to spring some surprises in the tourney.

Windwards skipper and top-order batsman Alick Athanaze said the rule will be a tough one to navigate, but said the skippers must adjust for the sake of developing these spinners.

“The rule is tricky. If he bowls two bad overs, you wouldn’t want to bring him back, especially if a batsman who’s targeting him is still at the crease,” Athanaze said.

“I guess it’s probably a good opportunity to put him under pressure to see where they’re at. When you look at how (the tournament) has been set up, it’s for the future. I think it’s a good opportunity for him (Darel Cyrus), but we’ll have to find ways to try and outsmart batsmen even if they’re under pressure.”

In the opening match versus Guyana, Cyrus turned the game on its head with figures of four for 37 to help bowl Windwards to victory.

Da Silva said the Legions team has an abundance of talent and the players now have the platform to open the door for possible Caribbean Premier League recruitment in the near future.

 

Legions, Thunder victorious in West Indies Breakout T20 League

TAROUBA: Trinidad & Tobago Legions captain Joshua Da Silva smashed a half century at the top of the order to help his side register a comfortable 23-run win over Guyana Rainforest Rangers and keep their unbeaten streak alive in the West Indies Breakout League here on Saturday.

Da Silva, known as a middle order batsman, thumped 68 from 36 balls as the Legions posted the tournament’s highest score to date of 173 for six in 20 overs after they were sent in to bat at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

The Rangers then suffered a middle order collapse after being comfortably positioned at 91 for 3 in the 12th over, to end on 150 for nine from their 20 overs.

It was the Legions’ second straight win and catapulted them to the top of the standings on 17 points, while the Rangers remain winless after two matches.

The Legions owed their eventual total to the efforts of Da Silva and Jyd Goolie, who put on 77 runs for the fourth wicket in less than six overs, after the home side had slipped to 63 for four in the 11th over.

 

By the time Da Silva was dismissed by Ronaldo Alimohamed in the 17th over after facing 36 balls and hitting six sixes and three fours, the Legions had recovered to 140 for five.

Jamaica Titans player Anthony Dacres is about to complete a catch against the Leeward Islands Thunder during the West Indies Breakout T20 League at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, on April 26.

Goolie then added the finishing touches, lashing 49 from 30 balls, inclusive of four fours and three sixes, to give his side the advantage.

Jediah Blades (2-18) and Ashmead Nedd (2-25) were the Rangers’ best bowlers.

The Rangers got a decent start thanks to captain Kemol Savory (33), Kevlon Anderson (27) and Rivaldo Clarke, who made 23 at the top of the order.

However, from 91 for three, the Rangers lost four wickets for just 47 runs to collapse to 138 for seven in the 19th over.

The collapse was architected by off spinner Mikkel Govia (2/17) and medium pacer Johann Layne (2-25).

Joshua James was the Legion’s best bowler with 3/35 from his four overs. CMC

Summarised scores:

TT LEGIONS 173/6 (20 overs) (Joshua Da Silva 68, Jyd Goolie 49; Jediah Blades 2/18, Ashmead Nedd 2/25) vs GUYANA RAINFOREST RANGERS 150/9 (20 overs) (Kemol Savory 33, Kevlon Anderson 27, Rivaldo Clarke 23; Joshua James 3/35, Mikkel Govia 2/17, Johann Layne 2/25).

JAMAICA TITANS 123/6 (20 overs) (Jordan Johnson 40, Kirk McKenzie 34; Anderson Mahase 3/16) vs LEEWARD ISLANDS THUNDER 127/4 (16.4 overs) (Kofi James 39, Karima Gore 34 not out; Jeavor Royal 2/14, Raamal Lewis 2/15).

 

Da Silva on Breakout T20 League: You never know who’s watching

Trinidad and Tobago Legions captain and West Indies wicket-keeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva is keen to leave an impression for the inaugural West Indies T20 Breakout League which will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA), Tarouba from April 25-May 10.

Coached by Rayad Emrit, the TT team will begin their campaign against Barbados Pelicans from 7 pm at the BLCA on April 25 in the second game of a double-header. Guyana Rainforest Rangers will face the Windward Islands Infernos in the first match of the tournament from 2 pm.

The 26-year-old Da Silva, who has played 33 Test matches for the West Indies since debuting against New Zealand in 2020, is eager to show his capabilities in the shorter format of the game as well.

“I’ve played 22 (T20) games, and I just haven’t gotten as much opportunity (in the format),” Da Silva said, via an April 19 Cricket West Indies (CWI) release.

“This tournament should get more opportunity for me and a lot of other players as well. I think it’s a great initiative and hopefully, it’s going to be the start of something that can happen every year. There’s opportunity for boys to put their hands up.” Da Silva has been in good form as of late, as he scored 583 runs at an average of 64.77 in the 2025 West Indies Four-Day Championships as his Red Force team finished in third spot.

“You never know who’s watching. So, each opportunity you get to walk out into the middle is something worth its weight in gold,” Da Silva said. “Do the best that you can. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. And most importantly, have fun, because at the end of the day, it’s a new tournament.”

The goal of the tourney is to unearth new white-ball talent across the region, with the six franchises drafting a total of 15 teenagers in their final squads.

Players eligible to participate must be under 30 at the start of the tourney and must have played fewer than 40 List A T20 matches and fewer than ten T20 internationals. Each team is closely affiliated with a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise.

Da Silva aside, the TT Legions team is not short of talent or quality, with the Red Force top-order pair of Amir Jangoo and Jyd Goolie also in the mix. In the last five months, Jangoo has debuted for the Windies in both the Test and T20 formats.

The team also includes exciting allrounders Joshua James, Navin Bidaisee and off-spinner Mikkel Govia, who lifted the 2024 CPL crown with St Lucia Kings. Red Force opening batsmen Cephas Cooper and Kamil Pooran are also in the Legions team, alongside the overseas fast-bowling pair of Johann Layne (Barbados) and McKenny Clarke (St Lucia).

Da Silva said it’s important for the TT franchise to defend the country’s rich history in the T20 game.

“We pride ourselves on the legacy that we have in T20 cricket, that’s for sure. For us, it’s an honour to represent the country at any level.

“It’s a tournament where I know a lot of eyes are going to be on us and performance is going to be key.

“We can use that to get bigger contracts, or you can get a contract if you haven’t had one before and just showcase your talent.”

TT’s second game in the tournament will be a clash with rivals Guyana on April 26.

Full TT Legions squad: Navin Bidaisee, McKenny Clarke, Cephas Cooper, Joshua Da Silva, Jyd Goolie, Mikkel Govia, Joshua James, Damion Joachim, Amir Jangoo, Johann Layne, Shaaron Lewis, Kamil Pooran, Abdul-Raheem Toppin, Crystian Thurton.

Red Force stutter on Day 1 of title clash vs Harpy Eagles

ON the first day of his team’s title-deciding clash with TT Red Force at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair on April 9, Guyana Harpy Eagles skipper Tevin Imlach opted to bowl first as he said he wanted his bowlers to exploit the grass on the oval wicket.

At the end of the first day’s play in their top-of-the-table West Indies Championship Regional Four-Day match, Guyana’s bowlers did their part in repaying their skipper as TT were precariously placed on 214 for seven at stumps.

Brought back into the TT squad for the injured Yannic Cariah, Jyd Goolie has been a measure of composure and his unbeaten innings of 57 led a fightback for the hosts after they slipped to 96 for five earlier in the day’s play.

After a three-wicket burst from pacer Keemo Paul (three for 38) in a rain-interrupted morning session, Guyana were firmly on top when opening batsman Cephas Cooper (50) and Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva (25) were dismissed in quick succession after a 63-run stand for the fourth wicket.

With Kamil Pooran (four), Amir Jangoo (five) and Jason Mohammed (two) all falling cheaply to the seam of Paul, Goolie found an unlikely ally in lower-order batsman Khary Pierre as they stitched together a timely 79 for the sixth wicket.

Pierre made 38 off 100 balls and hit four boundaries in his watchful innings as he offered good support for Goolie, who has struck six fours in his innings so far.

The left-handed pair frustrated the Guyanese and they took their partnership to fifty as TT went to the tea interval at 146 for five.

Goolie got to his third First-Class fifty in the final session. However, shortly after a drinks break, Pierre’s resistance was ended when he edged a ball from pacer Nial Smith (two for 39) through to wicket-keeper Imlach. Red Force were on 175 for six at that stage, with a lot of work still needed to ensure they post a strong first-innings total.

Batting at number eight, Terrance Hinds (19 off 34) played a typically entertaining cameo before he was dismissed by Ronaldo Alimohammed (one for 34), who got success after a persisting with a wide line outside the off-stump, to go with a dominant off-side field.

TT Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva bats during Day 1 of the West Indies Four-Day Championship title-decider match, against Guyana Harpy Eagles, on April 9, at the Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair.

TT slipped to 213 for seven with the fall of Hinds’ wicket in the 79th over. At the end of the subsequent over, Imlach reintroduced Paul as he took the new ball.

However, Paul only delivered three balls to Goolie before the umpires brought play to a close for bad light at 5.38 pm.

Earlier, Paul got the Harpy Eagles’ day off to a great start as he had Red Force three down for just 31. Both Pooran and Jangoo edged behind to Imlach, while Mohammed, Red Force’s top scorer this season, was caught at third slip by Raymond Perez after getting a rising delivery from Paul.

Cooper and Da Silva took Red Force to 55 for three at lunch. And the pair looked comfortable before veteran spinner Veerasammy Permaul (one for 41) breached Cooper’s defence to trap him lbw. In the next over, the in-form Da Silva fell to a spectacular catch in the slip cordon from Kevin Sinclair as Red Force lost their fifth wicket.

Thus far, Goolie has shown good grit and he’ll hope to solidify his team’s innings on day two with fellow overnight batsman Joshua James.

Chasing their first four-day title since the 2005/06 season, the second-placed TT (105.4 points) trail Guyana (111.6 points) on the table. Day two will be a critical day as TT continue their push for the elusive title.

Summarised Scores:

TT RED FORCE – 214/7 (Jyd Goolie 57 not out, Cephas Cooper 50, Khary Pierre 38; Keemo Paul 3/38, Niall Smith 2/39) vs GUYANA HARPY EAGLES.

WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES – 106 (Noelle Leo 22, Kimani Melius 20, Alick Athanaze 18; Joshua Bishop 3/15, Nathan Edward 2/15) vs WEST INDIES ACADEMY – 197/5 (Teddy Bishop 53 not out, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett 45, Justin Jagessar 42; Kenneth Dember 2/23).

LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES – 219/5 (Jewel Andrew 66, Keacy Carty 55, Kadeem Henry 27; Jomel Warrican 3/49) vs BARBADOS PRIDE.

JAMAICA SCORPIONS – 133 (Kirk McKenzie 31, Brad Barnes 23; Jaden Edmund 5/59, Larry Edward 3/6) vs CCC – 174/4 (Shaqkere Parris 70 not out, Johann Jeremiah 69; B Barnes 2/38).

 

An abysmal performance

WHAT an unpredictable sport is cricket. The hackneyed statement of the glorious uncertainties indeed comes into play in this instance. The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force cricket team which, just a few weeks ago, marched past the Barbados Pride at Kensington Oval in a truly triumphal manner in two days, were truly and convincingly whipped by the Jamaican Scorpions in three days.

The continuation of the four-day first-class CWI regional competition in the Brian Lara Stadium, at Tarouba, was the venue of this comprehensive beating at the hand of the Jamaicans.

It would be interesting to learn what this victorious team over Barbados, away from home three weeks ago, did in the line of preparation between the two games. How many practice sessions did they have and was it concentrated or just light stuff, taking it easy, a sign of overconfidence?

I don’t think that could be it, however, because already they were missing two of their main men, fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip. Although the side would be weakened without these two, especially Seales, no matter how brilliant, it would still take the contribution of eleven players working together as one unit to win a game.

Shannon Gabriel was brought in as a replacement fast bowler. Although he didn’t bowl badly, he’s definitely over the hill and his bad habit of leaving the field so often during a game leaving the fan who is watching on, plus the commentators, a bit mystified as to his reasons, only serve to discourage his teammates.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s Cephas Cooper braces as Jamaica Scorpions’ Jermaine Blackwood plays a shot on during the West Indies Four Day Championship match, on April 3, 2025 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba. – Photo by Lincoln Holder

The team was an unbalanced one. It was lacking in the fast bowling department. There were three fast bowlers, Gabriel, along with Joshua James, a 2025 newcomer, who has been bowling a tidy line and length and looks promising. Then there was Terrance Hinds who is certainly not up to this standard. Khary Pierre, the slow left-arm orthodox and at present, the leading wicket-taker in the competition, was the main man.

–

The off-spinner Bryan Charles and Yannic Cariah are the other two specialist spinners. Yet, with the injury suspect Cariah in the team, it signalled problems. He was chosen as an all-rounder to bat at number 6, but his obvious disability prevented him from bowling and although he batted at number 11 in the first innings (and this was after Gabriel, so one could imagine how badly injured he must have been), he could not bowl in the second innings. Nevertheless, he moved up in the batting order from 11 to 8. Unable to move his feet comfortably he was bowled for zero.

Cariah had not been fit for a couple of weeks, yet he was selected in a vital position as an all-rounder, expected to bat at 6. He bowls right-handed, back-of-the-hand leg spin. Unfortunately, he played no serious part in the game. The selectors and fitness trainers who pass a player as fit have to answer for this.

Thus, the batting was thin from 6 to 11. That burden was too much for the top four batsmen. The opening batsmen, Cephas Cooper and Kamil Pooran, appeared out of depth, while the two main batsmen, Amrit Jangoo and Jason Mohammed, were careless and nowhere near their best form, an absence of concentration.

This should not be. The only time that batsmen who are rated highly, plus enjoying recent scores that reveal their good form, nonetheless display nothing like their true ability, is because of a lack of practice. The captain, Joshua Da Silva, exuding self-confidence, picked up the ball early out of the bowler’s hand, feet moving swiftly into position with bat-swing confident and positive.

All that is written here is not to take away from the Jamaican team whose bowlers bowled steadily, the fast bowlers moved the ball off the seam and the spinners extracted turn from the pitch. Marquino Mindley always looked dangerous but his partner Ojay Shields, needs more control to maintain a proper line and length. Abhijai Mansingh, the right-hand leg-spinner, is a useful cricketer who has places to go as his bowling approach, angles and flighted deliveries promises a bright future if he works at it.

Their batsmen played well. Javelle Kenny’s century showed excellent concentration and determination. He was well supported by Jermaine Blackwood and Mansingh, both scoring half-centuries.

Da Silva won the toss and decided to field. It was a risky decision in the absence of his two main penetrative opening bowlers Seales and Phillip.

One should never take cricket for granted.

 

Scorpions crush Red Force, dent regional title hopes

THE Red Force were dealt a severe blow to their title hopes after a crushing defeat to Jamaica Scorpions, on day three, in the penultimate round of the West Indies Four-Day Championship clash at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on April 4.

The hosts were eyeing a positive result against the Jamaicans before a potential title decider against Guyana Harpy Eagles in the final round at home, but they were stung by the Scorpions, who prevailed by 223 runs.

Chasing an unlikely 389 for victory, TT batting flopped again as off-spinner Brad Barnes (4/19) ran through TT’s middle, after pacer Odean Smith (3/19) had done the early damage.

Leg-spinner Abhijai Mansingh (2/27) wrapped up the match by ending Bryan Charles’ resistance at number ten. He top scored with 28.

Earlier on day three, Jamaica resumed batting on 20/3 and were eventually dismissed for 187 in their second innings courtesy impressive spin spells from off-spinner Bryan Charles (4/82) and left-arm orthodox Khary Pierre (3/43).

Despite the second-innings failure, Scorpions were still in control after posting 372 all out in their first innings and bowling out the Red Force for 171.

Jamaicans Brandon King (89) and Javelle Glenn (22) resumed day three in the middle and frustrated the Red Force bowling attack. The pair rotated the strike regularly and made TT fast bowler Terrance Hinds and Pierre and Charles toil in the opening session.

Just before the tea break, Charles made the breakthrough as Glenn edged to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva, which took Jamaica to 82/4.

Two overs later, Da Silva dropped new batsman Brad Barnes after the right-hander took a slight edge. King brought up his 19th First-Class fifty with a single off Charles before getting to 99/4 at the break.

The first ball after the resumption saw Pierre trap Barnes in front his stumps for the fifth wicket. However, King stood firm with back-to-back fours off Charles, and then lofting Pierre for a maximum.

Charles, however, struck at the other end as he had Aldaine Thomas (22) bowled to carry Scorpions to 146/6. King’s confident knock of 89 came to an end when he edged to Da Silva off a low, spinning Charles delivery.

One run later, Pierre bagged another, trapping Odean Smith leg-before-wicket, and then snared his third by dismissing Marquino Mindley in similar fashion, ten runs later.

Abhijai Mansingh (27 not out) played a neat cameo before final batsman Ojay Shields (eight) was bowled by Charles.

In reply, TT opener Kamil Pooran (four) got off the mark by striking fast bowler Marquinho Mindley through mid-wicket for a boundary in the third over. His presence was short-lived as Mindley rattled his stumps off the next ball.

Amir Jangoo (18) got off to a similar start by guiding Ojay Shields down to backward point for four. Jamaican pacers Shields and Mindley, however, attacked the TT batsmen with fiery, swinging spells.

Jangoo and opener Cephas Cooper (24) took TT to 32/1 at the dinner break.

At the resumption, Cooper flicked Shields for four, but Odean Smith had Jangoo bowled in the next over.

Cooper showed aggression with the bat alongside veteran Jason Mohammed, but after scoring 24 from 50 balls, he was caught by Kirk McKenzie off another Smith delivery.

At 60/3, skipper Da Silva joined Mohammed in the middle. The captain looked good and hit three fours in his first two overs to spark hope among the spare Red Force supporters.

Smith had other plans as he trapped the skipper in front his stumps for 16, just before the dinner break.

Off-spinner Brad Barnes wrecked TT’s middle with the scalps of Pierre (eight), Mohammed (23), Yannic Cariah (zero) and Joshua James (six) in quick succession, before Abhijai Mansingh sealed the victory.

Summarised Scores:

JAMAICA SCORPIONS 372 — Javelle Glenn 140, Abhijai Mansingh 67, Jermaine Blackwood 61, Kirk McKenzie 31; Joshua James 3/40, Khary Pierre 3/87 & 187 — Brandon King 89, Javelle Glenn 22, Aldaine Thomas 22; Bryan Charles 4/82, Khary Pierre 3/43, Shannon Gabriel 2/28 vs TT RED FORCE 171 — Joshua Da Silva 86, Terrance Hinds 29; Marquino Mindley 3/37, Abhijai Mansingh 3/41 & 161 — Bryan Charles 28, Cephas Cooper 24, Amir Jangoo 18.

WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES 186 — Sunil Ambris 110, Noelle Leo 27, Kenneth Dember 14, Ryan John 10; Matthew Forde 2/19, Ramon Simmonds 2-32, Jomel Warrican 2/45, Dominic Drakes 2/48 & 316 — Kavem Hodge 99, Alick Athanaze 78, Sharack Descarte 50; Ramon Simmonds 4/47, Jair McAllister 2/35 vs BARBADOS PRIDE 198 — Matthew Forde 43, Kyle Mayers 40; Keon Gaston 6/52, Gilon Tyson 3/49 & 144/3 — Shayne Moseley 66 not out, Jonathan Drakes 35, Kyle Mayers 34 not out — Barbados need 161 to win

GUYANA HARPY EAGLES 193 — Kevlon Anderson 77 not out, Keemo Paul 31, Ronaldo Alimohamed 30, Kevin Sinclair 13, Matthew Nandu 10, Raymond Perez 10; Rahkeem Cornwall 3/25, Hayden Walsh Jr 2/26, Justin Greaves 2/30, Oshane Thomas 2/48 & 381/4 — Tevin Imlach 103, Kevlon Anderson 101, Matthew nandu 66, Raymond Perez 49; vs LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES 335 — Keacy Carty 92, Jahmar Hamilton 80, Mikyle Louis 73; Renaldo Alimohamed 5/91, Nial Smith 3/62, Keemo Paul 2/61 — Guyana lead by 239 runs

CCC 238 — Shaqkere Parris 52, Kyle Corbin 48, Johann Jeremiah 47, Damel Evelyn 23; Joshua Bishop 6/78, Zishan Motara 2/57 & 279/4 — Johann Jeremiah 107, Shaqkere Parris 56, Damel Evelyn 47, Kieran Powell 35; Jediah Blades 2/49, Kelvin Pitman 2/63 vs WI ACADEMY 316 — Teddy Bishop 99, Mbeki Jospeh 65; Chemar Holder 4/81 — CCC lead by 201 runs

Scorpions claw back in final session vs Red Force

JAMAICA Scorpions proved they were ready for the fight late against TT Red Force on day one of their West Indies Four-Day Championship match as a 50-run partnership between Javelle Glenn and Abhijah Mansingh guided the Jamaican franchise to 208/6 up to press time on April 2.

At the dinner break at 5.20 pm, the Scorpions were struggling to reach 200 batting first at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba in the penultimate round of the competition.

Two early wickets from Red Force pacer Joshua James and two more from the prolific left-arm spinner Khary Pierre left Scorpions on 158/6.

TT Red Force’s Cephas Cooper braces as Jamaica’s Jermaine Blackwood plays a shot during the West Indies four day championships at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, on April 2, 2025.

Despite the flurry of wickets falling in the second session of play, the Scorpions played confidently in the final session.

Red Force skipper Joshua Da Silva tried to keep the pressure on the Scorpions, starting the last session with his day’s best bowlers in James and Pierre. Glenn and Mansingh were ready for the task as the pair coped well against the Red Force bowlers.

Glenn and Mansingh did not only try to survive, as they found the boundaries regularly.

Up to press time at 7 pm, Glenn was 66 not out with five fours and two sixes and Mansingh was on 23 with three fours. The batsmen had already put on 57 unbroken runs for the seventh wicket.

Coming into the contest a lot would have depended on James with other pacers Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip unavailable because of English county cricket commitments.

Jamaica’s Jermaine Blackwood plays a shot against the TT Red Force during their West Indies four day championship match, on April 2, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba.

James seemed ready for the responsibility, striking twice in the first 30 minutes of play in the day/night match. He first removed John Campbell for two and then sent Brandon King back to the pavilion for duck.

Red Force controlled the first hour of play as Scorpions crawled to 9/2 after eight overs.

Jermaine Blackwood and Kirk McKenzie avoided any further damage, progressing to 43/2 when rain stopped play for 30 minutes. During the rain delay the tea break was taken.

Shortly after the resumption, pacer Terrance Hinds had the chance to dismiss Blackwood when he was on 26. However, Hinds could not hold on to a sharp caught and bowled opportunity.

McKenzie and Blackwood were not shy at the crease after the rain interruption. The batsmen played their shots against Hinds and Shannon Gabriel, the two pacers replacing Phillip and Seales in the starting XI.

Off spinner Bryan Charles was also on the receiving end of boundaries, including a six over long on by McKenzie.

With the Scorpions approaching 100, Blackwood got to his 50 with a four through covers as he punished Charles for bowling short.

Blackwood would have been relieved to reach the milestone as he has been in a dry spell after starting this season with a bang.

Leg spinner Yannic Cariah, one of the leading wicket-takers for Red Force this season, got the breakthrough shortly after being introduced into the attack.

It was a dramatic over. Firstly, Charles could not hold on to a tough chance at first slip which gave Blackwood another life. The over did not end without success for the Red Force as Cariah got the wicket of McKenzie for 31 off 95 deliveries (four fours, one six) when the left-hander edged the ball to wicketkeeper Da Silva attempting to cut a short ball.

As the sun left the ground, the match also started to get a bit gloomy for the Scorpions.

Pierre, the best bowler in the tournament with more than 30 wickets, struck in his third over to leave Scorpions 111/4.

Blackwood’s luck ran out as he was out leg before to Pierre for 61 playing forward to a delivery. He faced 105 balls, hitting seven fours and one six.

Glenn and Brad Barnes started to build a partnership with the former being the aggressor. Pierre continued to have the tournament of his dreams as Barnes was caught by Da Silva to leave Scorpions on 136/5. Red Force felt they could have grabbed the wicket of Aldaine Thomas on the next ball, but the umpire turned down a confident appeal that would have given Da Silva another catch.

Jason Mohammed, who has scored more than 500 runs this campaign, took just three balls to deliver with his off spin as he snatched the wicket of Thomas leg before for five.

It was a full dose of spin before the dinner break as the quartet of Pierre, Cariah, Charles and Mohammed gave the fast bowlers a long rest.

At the break, Red Force would have been the happier team with the Scorprions 158/6 with Glenn on 39 not out and Mansingh on one not out.

Glenn and Mansingh then showed their quality in the closing session. Day two of the match will bowl off at 1 pm on April 3.

Second-placed Red Force are aiming for two victories to end the season with the title.

SCOREBOARD

TT Red Force vs Jamaica Scorpions

Scorpions inns:

J Campbell c Pierre b James*2

K McKenzie c Da Silva b Cariah*31

B King c Mohammed b James*0

J Blackwood lbw Pierre*61

J Glenn not out*66

B Barnes c Da Silva b Pierre*6

A Thomas lbw Mohammed*5

A Mansingh not out*23

EXTRAS (B4, LB7, WD1, NB2)*14

Total*208 for six wickets

Still to bat: Odean Smith, Ojay Shields, Marquino Mindley

Fall of Wickets: 3; 9; 105; 111; 136; 151

Bowling: James 11-6-20-2; Gabriel 8-4-7-0; Charles 19.1-5-51-0; Hinds 10-1-46-0; Cariah 5.5-0-25-1; Pierre 18-4-46-2; Mohammed 2-0-2-1

 

Queen’s Park, Clarke Road, Powergen into T20 Festival semis

Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) confirmed the first semi-final spot from Group A after defeating and eliminating defending champions Central Sports by six wickets in the 2025 CPL/TKR T20 Festival on March 16, at the Queen’s Park Oavl, St Clair.

An unbeaten century from Red Force four-day skipper Joshua Da Silva (102 not out) partnered with a solid knock of 51 from Jyd Goolie saw the Parkites reach a victorious 194/4 from 18.4 overs, in response to Central Sports’ 193/6.

Batting first, Red Force and Central Sports opener Kamil Pooran blasted 80 from 47 balls while Jesse Bootan (29) and Mikkel Govia (25) were also among the runs.

Khary Pierre (2/32) was QPCC’s best bowler followed by Philton Williams (2/34).

In reply, QPCC batted aggressively, and Da Silva showed no mercy for the Central Sports’ bowling attack. His unbeaten century came in 53 deliveries and comprised 13 fours and four sixes. Akeal Hosein finished on 13 not out.

Queen’s Park have played all four of their fixtures.

Marchin Patriots took on Yorkshire in the March 16 night fixture for the final spot in the semis.

The winner of that tie joins QPCC, Clarke Road and Powergen in the semis.

FC Clarke Road United and Powergen Penal Sports Club confirmed spots in the semi-finals after round three Group B matches on March 15.

Clarke Road put Merryboys to rest with an emphatic ten-wicket victory to go top, while Powergen notched a nail-biting four-run win over Victoria United to affirm second place.

Despite both teams having to face each other in their final group tie on March 19, both have played unbeaten across the first three rounds, and are unreachable at the top, therefore, assuring them semi-final berths.

Put in to bat, Merry Boys openers Kevin Ramasray (40) and Saharch Shwethan (12) put on a fair 39-run stance. However, a hat-trick from Kerwyn Sirju (5/8) in the ninth over saw Merry Boys plummet to 56/4, and then wither away for a paltry 93 from 19/3 overs.

Clarke Road all-rounder Mark Deyal (2/8) and Clevon Kalawan (2/14) also contributed to Merry Boys’ downfall with the bat.

In reply, Clarke Road openers Deyal (56 not) and Nicholas Sookdeosingh (28 not out) flexed their muscle at the top and guided the Penal-based team to a mammoth result.

In the other contest, Powergen did well to defend their 134/9 total, batting first, after restricting Victoria for 130/6 from 20 overs.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Powergen were steered to the formidable target by Akeil Cooper (41), Cephas Cooper (29) and Videsh Sookhai (19). Jovan Ali (2/17) and Duane Charles (2/32) were Merry Boys’ best bowlers.

In reply, Victoria looked good in the chase as openers Riyaad Mohammed (33) and Marcelle Jones (25) put on a 39-run opening stance. Akshaya Persaud (31) and Shehan Jayasuriya (20) also put on cameo knocks in the middle and put them within reaching distance of a positive result.

However, it was not to be. Needing five runs from the final ball to win, Persaud was bowled by fast bowler Shaaron Lewis to end Victoria’s hopes of qualifying. Victoria have played all four matches and are third (four pts) in Group B, with Prisons and Merry Boys yet to win a match.

QPCC defeat Marchin Patriots by seven wickets in T20 Festival

QUEEN`S Park Cricket Club (QPCC) defeated Marchin Patriots by seven wickets in a high-scoring group A encounter of the CPL/TKR Twenty/20 Festival at the Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair, on March 14.

QPCC were boosted by the return of the Red Force players Joshua Da Silva, Jyd Goolie, Khary Pierre and Bryan Charles who returned early after blazing the Barbados Pride at home within two days in the 2025 West Indies Four-Day Championships.

The Patriots’ openers Evin Lewis and Barbadian Kadeem Alleyne, who both scored centuries in their previous match, got off to a flyer once again scoring 55 within five overs when Alleyne departed on 21. Lewis continued his scoring form blazing 89 runs from 45 balls including eight boundaries and six maximums and he was assisted by Crystian Thurton (39) and Barbadian Giovonte Depeiza 27 not out.

The Central-based team were on path to scoring a total of over 220 runs but stumbled in the death overs. However, they still managed a competitive score of 206/7 from their allotted 20 overs. QPCC`s medium pacer Philton Williams grabbed 3/40 while WI left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein took 2/43.

QPCC were always on par with the required scoring rate throughout the innings. Teenager Kyle Ramdoo gave his team a great start scoring 57 runs and Red Force skipper Da Silva added a brisk 38 runs. WI batter Andre Fletcher top-scored for QPCC with a brilliant 69 from 30 balls including three boundaries and seven maximums with five of them coming off a Kasthri Singh over.

Captain Darren Bravo (26) and Goolie (8) reached their target of 207 in 18.1 overs. Rivaldo Ramlogan (two wickets) and Singh (one wicket) were the only wicket-takers for the Patriots.

In the other match, Jabari Mills spanked a brilliant century to set up a comprehensive 41-run victory for Central Sports against Preysal Cricket Club.

Central Sports batted first and set up a huge total of 208/8 from their 20 overs. Mills scored a magnificent 102 from 57 deliveries (10 fours, 6 sixes). Wicket-keeper batter Leonardo Julien (39) and Barbadian Roshon Primus (32) contributed to the total. Preysal best bowlers were skipper Justin Gangoo 2/29 and Lemuel Matthews 2/44.

The Couva-based team could have only managed 167/5 in their 20 overs. Sachin Seecharan (50) and Aaron Bankay (40) were the main run scorers. Mills starred with the ball grabbing 2/35 in three overs.

Pooran joins Red Force for ‘toughest challenge’ vs Barbados

TOP-ORDER batsman Kamil Pooran replaces opener Vikash Mohan for the mega West Indies Championship round-five clash between Red Force and Barbados, from March 12-15, at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.

Trinidad and Tobago head coach Rayad Emrit confirmed Mohan picked up an injury just before their round-four victory over West Indies Academy and did not feature in that game, despite being picked.

Pooran faced Barbados as part of the Combined Campuses and Colleges squad in the previous round, notching scores of 11 and 36.

“We had to make a forced change with Vikash picking up an injury. He had some back spasms so we didn’t want to take any chances and we might have been a player short during the game. So we had a forced decision there with him,” Emrit said before their final training session on March 11.

With stylish West Indies One-Day International captain Shai Hope back in the Barbados squad and set to take the gloves, Emrit believes the Royals will serve as TT’s toughest test yet in the competition.

Currently, Red Force (77.8 pts) are second on the eight-team standings, with defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles (81.2 pts) atop and Barbados (73 pts) completing the top three.

TT, however, have three wins and a draw from their four matches played while the hosts have three wins and a loss. With just three rounds remaining, Emrit wants his troops to stick to the plan.

“We spoke about this before the season started, trying to focus on what we need to do as a team to win matches. We have done that for the entire tournament.

“Yes, Barbados are going to be our toughest challenge so far, but we’re doing a lot of good things as a team, and must focus on that. We have been trying to control what we can and that’s the goal,” Emrit said.

With Hope joining Windies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite and fellow maroon teammates Roston Chase, Jason Holder and Kemar Roach in the Bajan setup, TT face an uphill task against an experienced team. Hope replaced Kyle Mayers while Jair McAllister comes in for Chaim Holder against Red Force.

TT’s batting and bowling consistency remain key to a Red Force victory. Mistakes made before, Emrit said, cannot be replicated against Barbados.

“The confidence is there. It was a hard-fought victory against the Academy team. We were put in (tough) positions in both innings when we batted and the guys came out of it pretty well. But we don’t want to put ourselves in those positions against Barbados, especially with them at home.”

Against West Indies Academy, the last four batsmen – Khary Pierre (42), Jayden Seales (29), Bryan Charles (23 not out) and Anderson Phillip (eight) – combined for 102 runs, alongside captain Joshua Da Silva (120), to carry TT to a solid 304 all out, after they were reeling at 91/6.

Emrit enjoyed TT’s lower-order partnerships in the last game and believes solid combinations in the middle augur well for a possible Red Force triumph.

“We’ll make sure our batting is consistently good. It’s just a couple areas we need to work in our batting. Trying to get big partnerships. We got in at the end of our innings in our lower order, which is good because it shows how deep our batting can go.

“Our bowling has been doing excellent. To get 20 wickets in three matches is excellent. The confidence is there to get 20 wickets and we’re going to try to do that again in this game.”

In other round-five matches, Guyana host Windward Islands Volcanoes at Providence Stadium, Leeward Islands Hurricanes take on Combined Campuses and Colleges at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua while West Indies Academy face Jamaica Scorpions at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Matches bowl off from 10 am.

Red Force squad: Joshua Da Silva (captain), Cephas Cooper, Jason Mohammed, Tion Webster, Amir Jangoo, Yannic Cariah, Joshua James, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, Bryan Charles, Jayden Seales, Kamil Pooran, Jyd Goolie.

Barbados squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Shai Hope, Jason Holder, Leniko Boucher, Roston Chase, Jonathan Drakes, Matthew Forde, Jair McAllister, Zachary McCaskie, Kemar Roach, Ramon Simmonds, Jomel Warrican, Kevin Wickham.