Merryboys are the TTCB 2017 T20 kings after they defeated Central Sports by five wickets in the final of the tournament at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba on Friday night.
New T&T find Amir Jangoo continued his rise with a brilliant 74 to lead the Merryboys effort as they ended the Cinderella run of Central Sports. Firstly, T&T Red Force captain Marlon Richards bowled exceptionally well in taking three for 10 of his four overs to restrict Central Sports to 146 for seven off their 20 overs. The medium pacer got into the Central Sports batting early to leave them tottering at 55 for five, this was after posting 39 without, but they then lost five wickets for 16 runs, and looked in danger of not getting up to the 100-run mark.
However, the pair of Jahron Alfred and Guyanese Royston Crandon then got together to stage a recovery. The duo added 91 runs in 10 overs, as Central Sports closed their innings at 146 for seven to make a contest as Alfred slammed 56 of 34 balls with two fours and four sixes, while Crandon remained unbeaten on 30 of 35 balls with three fours.
In addition to Richards, Rishaad Harris was also excellent and he returned figures of four for 27 of four overs.
When Merryboys of Diego Martin started their chase, they lost the early wicket of Mario Belcon for seven, but Jangoo, a left-hander, was always in control.
The St James resident cantered to a half century and pushed Merryboys past the century mark. He found an able ally in Isaiah Rajah who scored 28 of 29 balls with a four and a six.
Jangoo fell just before the victory was formalised to Rakesh Maharaj for a well-played 74 of 54 balls that comprised six fours and five sixes which saw him being named Man of the Match..
However, it was the veteran Lincoln Roberts who showed his class as he helped eased Merryboys to the win with an unbeaten 14. The victory was achieved in the 19th over, but was always on the cards after Jangoo’s effort. It was Merryboys second T20 title in three years as they dispatched Cane Farm in the quarter-finals and Clarke Road in the semi-finals.
Kissoondath Maharaj was the pick of the Central bowlers with two for 18 of fours. Central Sports outplayed defending champs Queen’s Park in the quarter-finals and Powergen Penal to secure their chance at the championship.
A good crowd was on hand for the final and from all reports there were no issues at the venue which was hosting its inaugural tournament.
T&TCB T20 SCORES
Central Sports 146/7 (20) (Jahron Alfred 56, Royston Crandon 30no, Marlon Richards 3/10, Rishaad Harris 4/27) vs Merryboys 147/5 (19.1ovs) (Amir Jangoo 74, Isaiah Rajah 28, Kisoondath Mangram 2/18).
Result: Merryboys won by 5 wkts.
Man of the match: Amir Jangoo.