Barbados face an uphill struggle going into today’s third and final day of their third-round match against Jamaica in the WICB Regional Under-19 Championship.
Defending champions Jamaica, spurred by a career-best chanceless knock of 91 by wicketkeeper/batsman Aldaine Thomas, earned a substantial lead of 142 runs yesterday.
Jamaica, from an overnight 62 for four, were dismissed for 248 from 96.1 overs, in response to Barbados’ meagre 106 on Sunday.
Faced with six overs to the close, Barbados reached one without loss, when fading light halted play five overs early.
Thomas, in his second year of competition, shared in a magnificent eight-wicket alliance of 97 in 42.2 overs with Raghni Francis, who made a precious 24.
Only 25 minutes were possible in the first session as rain delayed the start by 95 minutes.
Jamaica lost the early wicket of Brandon King, who edged Marlon Welcome-Goodman’s second delivery and eighth of the morning straight to Jameel Stuart at first slip.
Thomas, who began the day scoreless, put on 31 for the sixth wicket with Brian Gayle to lay the foundation as the last five wickets put together 183 runs.
Thomas occupied the crease for 291 minutes, striking four fours and one six from 215 deliveries.
Gayle was caught at the wicket for 14, off a Chad Williams delivery that bounced and kissed the edge.
Delbert Gayle lashed an attacking 29 in a seventh-wicket stand of 41 with Thomas. Gayle faced 49 balls, striking two fours and two sixes.
Eventually, Gayle, shaping to hit to leg, was well caught by Akeem Jordan, running to his left at extra-cover, off left-arm spinner Williams who picked up two for 35.
Thomas and Francis frustrated Barbados and they took the total to 167 for seven at tea, with Thomas on 40 and Francis 11.
Thomas’ first boundary came after 75 balls, when he cut fast bowler Akeem Jordan to point in the first over of a new spell.
He brought up his 50 with a steer to third-man for two off Jordan in the third over with the second new ball, which was taken at 176 for seven. The shot also raised the half-century stand.
Thomas’ 50 came off 160 balls, in 212 minutes, with two boundaries. He celebrated by smashing Jordan onto the sightscreen at the southern end.
Surprisingly, fast bowler Darnell Greenidge, who has been having a fine tournament, was only belatedly brought into the attack half an hour before tea.
Barbados used as many as nine bowlers.
