A quick-fire half century from Nicholas Pooran led the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to a two-wicket win over Canada in the CWI Regional Super50 Cup in Port of Spain on Sunday.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Canada put a competitive 207 for 7 on the board. The total was in the end comfortably overhauled by the home team, who made 208 for 8 with 56 balls to spare.
Canada captain Davy Jacobs (37) led a team effort from the visitors, which also saw Bhavindu Adhihetty (33) and Navneet Dhaliwal (33) get solid starts. Rayad Emrit had the best bowling figures for T&T after taking 3 for 58.
In response, the Red Force found themselves in early trouble after opener Lendl Simmons (1) was dismissed lbw by Romesh Eranga, with just 7 runs on the board. His opening partner Evin Lewis (25) followed soon after, as he was dismissed by Cecil Pervez, to leave the hosts struggling at 2 for 35. A responsible 50 from 84 from Shai Hope then got things moving for the Red Force.
With Pooran joining Hope at the crease, following the dismissal of Ramdin, the pair put on 104 runs for the fourth wicket. The partnership was broken when Pooran was bowled by Sukhdeep Brar in the 33rd over, leaving the team in touching distance at 4 for 161 with wickets in hand. Hope departed two overs later. Kieron Pollard made three runs after lasting for three deliveries, but a solid 18 from 21 from Emritt was enough to see the team home.
Brar was Canada’s best bowler after claiming figures of 3 for 39. (SportsMax)
