The action continued in the LA Open T20 tournament, which saw the Somerset Cavaliers maintain their unbeaten streak in the quarter-finals against RDU SAMP to book their spot in the semi-finals.
This was thanks to Chandrapaul Hemraj, who was brilliant with the new ball and Xavier Marshall, who was aggressive with the bat.
Xavier Marshall scored 43 off 19 in the quarter-final bout
RDU SAMP batted first, as setting a total seemed the most feasible choice and anything around 180-plus would have been perfect. But the Cavaliers showed that they are not only a batting unit but a bowling unit as well. Hemraj, again with the new ball, maintained his line and length and picked up early wickets to leave SAMP in a spot of bother. Even with big names such as Kirk Edwards, Ashley Nurse, and Rayad Emrit, the SAMP had no answer to the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers spinners were in charge, because even after Hemraj bagged 4-25 in the opening overs, Ashmead Nedd was once again among the wickets and chipped in with one, Nikhil Dutta bagged two and Karima Gore chipped in with two. This left the RDU SAMP with a score of 81 all-out.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 25: Australia captain Aaron Finch watches the replay during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Warm Up match between England and Australia at Ageas Bowl on May 25, 2019 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers needed 82 for victory, and they chose to open with Kennar Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford. The pair blasted off from ball one; however, Lewis departed for 7, but Rutherford continued on his way. Rutherford contributed 28 off 19 to lead the charge. But it wasn’t over, Xavier Marshall came to the crease, and like a rocket blasted off and finished the game in 7.5 overs. Marshall ended on 43 not out, off 19 balls, with the Cavaliers on 86-2.
Earlier in the day, the Somerset Cavaliers stormed to yet another comprehensive win. This was made possible by Hemraj, Lewis and Nedd.
The MCP Eagles took to the crease and from ball one they began to lose wickets.
Hemraj, in particular, was instrumental with the ball as he made an early breakthrough with the new ball. From there on, nothing much could be done for the Eagles as the Cavaliers clipped their wings . Nedd and even Christopher Barnwell were among the wickets. Nedd in particular was hard to pick as he frustrated the clueless Eagles batsmen. In the end, the Eagles could only post 99-8 in their 20 overs. Nedd bowled 3-11 and Hemraj 2-25 while Barnwell, Nikhil Dutta and Paul Wintz supported with one wicket each.
Heading into bat, the Cavaliers were confident in their approach as Hemraj anchored the innings with a patient 17 and Lewis assaulted the Eagles bowlers with a fiery 77 off 28 deliveries, inclusive of five boundaries and nine towering maximums. Cavaliers ended on 105 without loss in 6.3 overs.
