A half century by Antiguan batter, Deran Benta, was key in helping Brown Hill Dolphins secure their first victory in two matches in the second annual instalment of the St Kitts and Nevis Cool & Smooth T20 Tournament at Warner Park on Sunday night.
Benta provided the cornerstone of the innings with a stylish 58 off 46 balls, while Jedd Joseph contributed a fluent 36 off 29 balls to help Dolphins post a competitive 147 for seven in their 20 overs and a 15-runs triumph over the Molineaux Blue Runners.
The collective effort, bolstered by Barbadian opening batter Zackary Carter (20 off 19), ensured that the Dolphins posted a competitive score in the first half. Keon Harding was the top bowler for the opponents with three wickets for 20 runs in four overs.
When the Blue Runners came out to bat, they made an encouraging start with a 69-run opening stand between Ruve Louw and Christanja Carey, the latter scoring 36 from 29 balls. Although they introduced some late resistance through contributions from Jacques Taylor and Harding, the Dolphins’ bowlers maintained control at crucial moments. Standout efforts came from Antiguan Micah McKenzie who picked up one for 12 in his four overs after having claimed a five-for in the team’s opening loss just two days prior.
Also on Sunday, St Pauls Barracudas Reel defeated Government Road Sharks by five wickets.
The Barracudas showcase their batting prowess by successfully chasing down a target of 133 set by the Sharks, winning the match with 10 balls to spare.
After electing to field upon winning the toss, the Barracudas restricted the Sharks to 133 for 6 from 20 overs. The bowling efforts from the Barracudas – with disciplined spells from Tariq Newman, Kasim Challenger (2/24), and Kaivalya Mishra (2/22) kept the opposition in check as the Sharks’ top-order batsmen, including Ross Powell’s resilient 48 not out and Demari Benta’s quick 29, struggled to accelerate the scoring.
In reply, the Barracudas exploded out of the gate. Opener Shelton Forbes led the charge with an electrifying 53 off just 32 balls, packed with eight boundaries and a six, setting a fierce tone for the chase. Contributions from Cameron Pennyfeather, who struck 32 from 30 balls and steady knocks from teammate K’von Esdaille (14* off 22) ensured a positive run rate throughout the innings. Even as opposition bowlers Javid Edwards (2/23) put up a spirited fight, the Barracudas’ composure in the latter stages allowed them to clinch 136 for five in 18.2 overs.
