Medium pacer Paul Wintz strengthened his claim in the starting line-up when the Guyana Jaguars face-off with the Windward Islands in the opening match of the NAGICO Super50 tournament next Thursday in Trinidad by bagging 5-45 from eight overs in the Jaguars’ final practice match at Providence last night to give the Jaguars a six-wicket win against a Rest Team led by National Four-Day Captain Vishaul Singh.
Wintz was supported by off-spinner Steven Jacobs, who took 2-34 as the Rest team fell for 163 despite a 53-run stand between Singh (20) and Ricardo Adams (48) had inspired hopes of a larger total.
Opener Trevon Griffith then fashioned an entertaining 60 from 99 balls with three fours and a six and added 70 for the first wicket with Rajendra Chandrika who stroked a fluent 46-ball 42 with five boundaries to spearhead the Jaguars to 164-4 with 10 overs to spare and a comprehensive six-wicket victory in the day night encounter.
Despite heavy overnight and early morning rain the National Stadium showed little effects of the torrential downpour when the game started in overcast conditions and Wintz, bowling with excellent control, induced Kandasammy Surujnarine (0) edged a catch to wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble with just a run on the board.
Playing on a flat track and fast outfield, the sun returned in all its glory and Robin Bacchus (5) was brilliantly caught and bowled by Berbician Wintz who plays for city side DCC to leave the Rest Team on 8-2.
It was soon 23-3 when Kevin Boodie (10) was also caught and bowled by the penetrative Wintz who soon got rid of Chanderpaul Hemraj for five to leave the Rest side tottering on the ropes at 31-4.
Singh got going off his first ball with a flick off Wintz for three and followed it up with a flowing cover drive in the same over for another triple as the left-hander made a consorted effort to be positive.
Singh was put down at short mid wicket off of Jacobs on 14, while Ricardo Adams played in his usual attacking mode before Singh gifted his wicket in an effort to be attacking and was taken at mid-on as he charged left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who along with fellow Test spinner Devendra Bishoo, were the only players not in their green and gold coloured national outfits.
Singh’s demise left the Rest Team on 83-5 before Jason Sinclair (1) was LBW to Jacobs, who also trapped Ricardo Adams, was LBW as the Rest side slipped to 109-7. Adams’ 58-ball 48 included four fours and a six.
Ronsford Beaton (18) and Gudakesh Motie (25*) ensured the tail wagged before Wintz snapped up Beaton in his second spell to claim a timely five-wicket haul.
When the Jaguars began their reply Griffith and Chandrika played some audacious shots under lights as they built a solid foundation for their team before Chandrika departed and Raymond Reifer, who again batted at number three, pushed forward to Motie, who bowled beautifully and troubled all of the batsmen, and was bowled for a duck a run later.
Captain Chris Barnwell was run out for 28 with two fours and an effortless six off left-arm spinner Anthony Adams at 133-3 before Griffith was also run out with victory 14 runs away. Royston Crandon (13*) and Jonathon Foo back in the national side for the first time in four years, was unbeaten on five.
(Kaieteur News)