Liberta Blackhawks surged into the eliminator round of the Antigua and Barbuda T20 Premier League with a narrow two-run win over New Winthorpes Lions while Empire Nation edged closer with a three-runs DLS (Duckworth/Lewis/Stern] triumph over Jennings Tigers when play continued in the inaugural edition of the tournament on Saturday.
Playing at home, Blackhawks were asked to bat by the visiting Lions and posted 180 for eight in 19 overs. West Indies and Leeward Islands spinner, Hayden Walsh Jr led with the bat, hitting 59 from 32 deliveries with two fours and six sixes. Leeward Islands captain, Rahkeem Cornwall, contributed with 41 from 20 at the top of the order, hitting two fours and five sixes in the process. Avier Christianchipped in with 23 off 22 while Deran Benta made 18 from 16.
There were two wickets each for Orandel Boston who had two for 16 in three overs and Nino Henry who bagged two for 27 in four overs bowling for the visitors.
When their turn at the crease arrived, New Winthorpes fell just short at 179 for seven before their 19 overs elapsed. Jermine Otto led the way with 57 from 26 balls, slamming eight fours and three sixes at the top of the order. Henry, after a good spell with the ball, contributed with 54 from 19 with two fours and six maximums.
Christian bagged two wickets for just 10 runs in two overs bowling for Blackhawks.
Meanwhile, Empire Nation came out of their rain-affected clash against Jennings Tigers with a seven-runs DLS win, also at Liberta.
Batting first after winning the toss, Empire Nation posted 151 for four in 18 overs with a top score of 60 from Tanez Francis. Tyrone Williams Jr and Damian Lowenfield chipped in with 32 and 25 runs respectively. Shane Burton claimed two for 28 bowling for Tigers.
Chasing a revised DLS target of 162 for victory in 18 overs, Tigers were restricted to 154 for nine in 16.4 overs. Burton hit a top score of 39 while Dahri Francis and Glenton Williams added 25 and 21 respectively to the effort.
The outcome of Sunday’s fixtures would determine the other teams heading to the eliminator round of the tournament.
