Jaguars, Marooners clash in Super50 final today

The Guyana Jaguars and the CCC Marooners, like two invincible gladiators, will lock horns in today’s grand final of the Regional Super 50 Tournament at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados to determine who emerge as the 2018-2019 champions. The match is scheduled for 11:30 hrs.
The power-packed Guyana Jaguars are seeking to lift the title for the eleventh time, while the dark horse CCC Marooners are hoping for a maiden title.
Each team gained entrance to the final with a contrasting win; the Jaguars won by one wicket in a nail-biting clash with the Scorpions, while CCC Marooners dominated their encounter against a star studded Red Force team, winning by seven wickets.
Speaking on the eve of the grand Super 50 finals, each captain expressed happiness at being able to play in the finals, and both teams are confident in their players giving 110% while applying the basics of cricket in every situation.
The Guyana Jaguars captain, Leon Johnson, declared that the final is expected to be a fantastic game, and his team is expecting a mighty challenge from the CCC Marooners bowlers, who have bowled with discipline throughout the tournament. The Jaguars secured a victory in the semi-finals, and Captain Johnson added that his team played well, but could have done better in certain game scenarios.
The Jaguars are particularly looking to improve in their execution of death bowling, since they haven’t been on point in the recent match. Additionally, Jaguars are hoping that their openers produce a good start for the middle order batsmen to continue batting with momentum in order to score a healthy total.
Meanwhile, Carlos Brathwaite has led the inexperienced CCC Marooners team well, and his men are focused on obtaining victory. Brathwaite declared Akeem Jordan’s devastating spell as very inspirational, and he said the victory against the Red Force has given his players the confidence that they could likewise upset the Jaguars.
Having lost two out of their first three matches, Marooners captain added, his team has decided to play aggressive, fearless and exciting cricket, and this has proven to be beneficial.
Brathwaite is expecting the Guyana Jaguars to bring that ferocious fight they always bring, since they are a different team from the others and they play brilliant cricket on big occasions.
This expectedly epic encounter appears to be a contest between two sides of similar styles, with both sides having major stars in their line-up. Jaguars seem to hold the edge in the batting, while the Marooners appear to have depth in their bowling. Guyana Jaguars will depend heavily on their captain to lead the charge, since he finally showcased his brilliance in the semi-finals with his maiden List A century.
The responsible Raymond Reifer, who showed his maturity with the bat, along with the pugnacious Christopher Barnwell, will be called upon to score the bulk of the runs, since they are among the top 10 batsmen in this Super 50 tournament.
In the bowling department, Jaguars will depend on the outstanding Clinton Pestano, who has been their leading wicket-taker, and the Jamaica-born off-spinner Ramall Lewis, who has had a great resurgence in Regional cricket.
The Carlos Brathwaite-led CCC Marooners will depend on their leading batsmen, left-handed opener Kjorn Ottley; his younger brother, left-arm spinner Yannick Ottley, whose 17 wickets tie for the top spot in the bowling; and semi-final hero Akeem Jordan, with his each-way swing.
Brathwaite himself provides that all-round ability with bat, ball and leadership skills.
Historically, the Jaguars have an exceptional record against CCC Marooners, having won eight out of nine of their previous contests, inclusive of two victories at the Kensington Oval. The Guyana Jaguars also won two low-scoring affairs by margins of eight and six wickets respectively in the 2017 season against the CCC Marooners.
However, cricket is described as a game of glorious uncertainties, and the team that plays good cricket on the day when it matters will emerge champions. (Brandon Corlette)