Today, the Guyana Jaguars will square off against the ICC Americas in their final group game of the 2017 Regional Super50 tournament and like it was at the start of the tournament where they were strong contenders to at least qualify for the semifinals, they are favourites to win this clash.
It could be considered a disappointed Jaguars camp that is still hopeful but first they must win today’s encounter with the bonus point against their lesser counterparts then await the results from Jamaica Scorpions other two matches. They must also significantly spike their net run rate to go ahead of the Scorpions should it go that far.
However, with a win in their previous match against Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners, ICC Americas have gained some confidence and will be aiming to complete this tournament on a positive note.
In addition their previous outing against the Jaguars was their best in this tournament prior to their victory. Therefore, it should not be labelled as a one sided affair since there are uncertainties surrounding what the underdogs might have to offer in this contest.
However, that depends on the Jaguars’ approach to this game; if they will play to seek the bonus point or their will give players, who have failed early in the season opportunities. Mathematically there is still a chance for them to qualify but it lies in claw of the Scorpions. Presently the Jaguars lie wounded on 13 points with only this game remaining while the Scorpions are on 18 points with two games to go and a good net run rate.
Assad Fudadin has scored 183 runs so far for the Jaguars
Nevertheless, the Jaguars and ICC Americas match come first today at the 3W’s Oval in Barbados. Jaguars’ batting is a cause for concern but their bowling remains a bit stronger of the two departments. Skipper Leon Johnson is among the top run getters in the Super50 overall but is yet to play a standout innings that could leave trails of memories at the end of this season neither has he done it prior to this one. Apart from him veteran player Shivnarine Chanderpaul continues to show his worth in this team and to date, he is the lone Jaguar batsman to score a century while the experienced Assad Fudadin and Raymon Reifer have scored two half centuries each. All the other batsmen have failed horribly this season.
Usually the bowling department is key for the Jaguars with the likes of Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo included, however, they have not been at there best thus the bowling too have been lacking.
As expected on faster pitches in Barbados in contrast to those in Guyana, fast bowlers Ronsford Beaton and Raymon Reifer have spearheaded the Jaguars bowling but they have somehow opted for three spinners in most of their games. With the off spinner, Steven Jacobs the most economical of the lot.
Hopefully they go for the extra pacer in Paul Wintz against their opponents today because the ICC Americas seem to have a liking for spinners. In their previous match against Guyana a match reduced to 45 overs per side they scored 112 runs from 24 overs of spin while losing just two of their seven wickets that fell. Only Jacobs for the spinners bowled a maiden during those 24 overs.
Skipper Nitish Kumar and Kamau Leverock have been in some good form, especially against spinners so if the Jaguars opt for three spinners again they could be playing into their opponents’ hand.
