The Merissa Aguilleira-led Trinidad and Tobago Divas began their 2019 Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup on a positive note — with a 69-run win over hosts, Guyana.
Trinidad and Tobago Divas
The Trinidad & Tobago Divas are among the favourites to win this tournament; the last time it was played in Guyana, they had clinched both titles.
Speaking exclusively with this daily publication after their triumph over Guyana, T&T captain, the 33-year-old Merissa Aguilleira, explained that it was a good feeling to come out on top.
Merissa Aguilleira
She added that the team had also performed creditably in fielding, barring the lone drop catch in that opening game.
“I mean, it was good to get out there and experience our first game. I must say that (the) partnership between Stacy Ann King and Rachel Vincent was vital; but our vice-captain, Reniece Boyce, put the icing on the cake,” Aguilleira declared.
The victory over Guyana in the opening round is very significant for the Trinidad & Tobago Divas, Aguilleira explained, since Guyana was the team that had prevented Trinidad from occupying one of the final two spots in the 2018 tournament.
Despite this victory, Aguilleira said, the team still has to work on a few things moving forward in this tournament. However, this is a very pleasing result for the team.
Anisa Mohammed
She hailed the deep batting line-up of the Trinidad team. “The batting depth lacked nothing. I mean, that is to show the depth of the batting. Boyce batting at number six shows that the women are focused and they are not relying on one person to score the bulk of the runs,” she declared.
Aguilleira revealed that the Trinidad Divas’ bowling attack will be spearheaded by Anisa Mohammed, who has 146 wickets in the 117 matches she has played for the Windies Women.
Aguilleira, the ‘gloves woman’ of the team, declared that the pitches in Guyana keep improving.
“The last time we played in Guyana, the pitches were not up to standard. But after the Stand-alone World Cup, we have seen a great number of runs scored,” she explained.
Having played 112 ODIs and 95 T20Is for the West Indies Women, Aguilleira is expecting all the pitches at the different venues in Guyana to suit good cricket.
Trinidad will play against Leeward Islands today, Tuesday March 19, at the Georgetown Cricket Club from 9:30h local time; and
Aguilleira has said that her team will not be taking any team lightly in this tournament.
(Brandon Corlette)
