The Guyana Jaguars will face Jamaica Scorpions in today at the Kensington Oval from 13:30h and they can only hope for one result, a win.
Having lost to Barbados Pride twice and the Scorpions once in this year’s Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Super50 in Barbados and Antigua, it means that only a victory today can keep their semi-final hopes alive, permitting that the Pride defeats the Scorpions in their return match on Thursday.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
The South American unit which has not tasted regional 50-over glory in some 12 years now will have tall order in quelling the sting of the Scorpion’s bowling attack which includes West Indies pacer Jerome Taylor and Reynard Leveridge who unsettled the Jaguars batsmen when they inflicted a 41-run defeat at the same venue just a week ago.
Jerome Taylor
The pacey duo will again spearhead the attack which also included experienced left-arm spinner Nikita Miller and talented leg-spinner Damion Jacobs.
The in-different batting performance of the Jaguars will need to produce a complete performance to either post or chase on pitch which has shown to be very helpful for the faster men.
As such, Jaguars leading batsman and captain Leon Johnson will again be the key along with the experience of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who made a century when he last faced the teams last met.
The opening pair which finally posted a 50 plus score in the last match against the Pride will need to continue in the same vein and support will be needed from the middle and lower-order especially that of Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer and Anthony Bramble.
Their bowling has certainly been their most consistent feature, with Steven Jacobs being the most economical while Ronsford Beaton, Veerasammy Permaul and Reifer have been among the wickets. The Jaguars may be forced to make a change with Paul Wintz breaking into the XI as the extra pace bowler since the track at the oval should be helpful again.
Like the Jaguars, the Scorpions’ batting has misfired on many occasions and West Indies players Jermaine Blackwood, Rovman Powell and A-team batsman Andre McCarty will need to carry-on from their starts if they are to tame the steady Jaguars bowling attack.
