Trinidad and Tobago Red Force topple depleted Windward Volcanoes

Regional Super50 Tournament

– rain has the final say as Canada-Windies B game abandoned

The defending champions Windward Islands Volcanoes succumbed to their fifth defeat in the Regional Super50 Tournament with an embarrassing loss against powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

Volcanoes were blown away for a mere 78 in 22.1 overs, and Red Force batsmen enjoyed chasing down a small target as they completed the chase in 9.4 overs, winning by seven wickets.
In a much-anticipated encounter at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Red Force won the toss and opted to field. Improved Trinidadian fast bowler Ravi Rampaul struck in his first over, rattling the stumps of Volcanoes opener Tyrone Theophile for 1. The Windward Islands Volcanoes continued to struggle as the Red Force skipper brilliantly opened the bowling, sending Kirk Edwards back to the dressing room with only seven runs to his name. Wickets continued to tumble as the Red Force bowlers chipped away with quick wickets. Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre wrapped up the innings in the 22nd over, bowling Alick Athanaze. Opener Girdon Pope was the only batsman offering resistance, stroking 37 from 44 balls – including five well-timed fours and one maximum off leg-spinner Imran Khan.

In completing a comprehensive bowling effort, Khan picked up 3-13 from four overs, fellow spinner Pierre and seasoned fast bowler Rayad Emrit took two wickets apiece. Captain Dwayne Bravo, Rampaul and Jason Mohammed chipped in with one wicket each.
Trinidad and Tobago Red Force opener Lendl Simmons blazed away to a quick-fire half century with his new opening partner, West Indies star performer Keiron Pollard, who lost his stumps to left-arm spinner Kavem Hodge for a duck. Hodge picked up all three Red Force wickets, but was unable to prevent a thumping victory by Red Force. Simmons and the consistent Nicholas Pooran were the not out batsmen, with Simmons taking 20 off four balls, rubbing salt into the Volcanoes’ wounds.
The Trinidad Red Force have now moved on to 23 points, two points behind table toppers Guyana Jaguars. Red Force will clash with Windies B in their next encounter while Volcanoes will battle Guyana Jaguars today, October 19 at 11:30h local time.
In the other encounter at the Queen’s Park Oval, rain once again had the last say as the match between Canada and Windies B was abandoned. (Brandon Corlette)