Simmons century propels T&T to easy win

GEORGETOWN—Out-of-favour West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons stroked a masterful, undefeated century to guide T&T to an easy nine-wicket win over the Leeward Islands yesterday at Bourda. Set a victory target of 220 after dismissing the opposition for 219 in 42.5 overs of the stipulated 43 overs, T&T reached 221 for one with Simmons stroking an unbeaten 112 from 102 balls.

He smashed slow medium bowler Gavin Tonge straight into the Media Box at the northern end of the ground to fittingly end the one-sided contest. The right-hander, ignored by the West Indies in recent time, slammed 10 fours and four sixes in a brutal display with the bat, while captain Daren Ganga, who belted three fours and one six in 25, remained with him at the end.

Simmons shared an opening stand of 156 with Adrian Barath who slammed 76 from 79 balls before giving his wicket away attempting one big shot too many, and held out to Wilden Cornwall at long-on off Tonito Willett’s bowling. The two openers launched a vicious attack on the Leewards bowlers posting the 100 partnership in 18 overs through some explosive batting. Barath, in particular was severe, hitting Willett for six over square leg.

He raised his half-century off 55 balls, striking three fours and two sixes, while Simmons achieved his off the next delivery with a single. He took 64 balls to attain the landmark and reached the boundary five times. Earlier, morning showers delayed the start of play by one hour and a short drizzle shortly after the match commenced, caused another interruption and forced umpires to reduce the overs to 43.

The Leewards top order batsmen all got good starts, but none of them went on to make a significant score. They were cruising at 204 for four, before Keiron Pollard struck with a hattrick, removing Cornwall (45), Devon Thomas (5) and Justin Athanaze (0), to send the innings into decline.

CMC
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