Mohammed and Webster join forces to earn a draw for Red Force

Jason Mohammed and Tion Webster both struck half-centuries to earn Trinidad and Tobago Red Force a draw against Windward Islands Volcanoes on the final day of their opening round match in the West Indies Championship on Friday.

Set a victory target of 354 after Volcanoes declared their second innings on 425-5, Red Force slipped to 93-4 in the second session before Mohammed struck an unbeaten 79 and Webster, 58, to rescue the innings on an intriguing final day at the Grenada National Stadium.

In the end, Red Force held on to finish on 225-7, as seam bowler Ryan John claimed 3-27 to end a superb match with overall figures of 8-45.

Scorecard: https://www.windiescricket.com/matches/215142/#scorecard

Resuming the morning at the Grenada National Stadium in a commanding position on 397 for three, Volcanoes declared after Sunil Ambris (55 not out) and captain Alick Athanaze (51) completed their half-centuries.

Ambris, unbeaten on 42 overnight, struck three fours and a six off 50 balls to notch his second fifty of the game while Athanaze, resuming the day on 49, counted four fours off 95 balls.

With survival the key for Red Force, the visitors lost Uthman Muhammad cheaply for four in the second over when he gloved a leg-side catch to keeper Tevyn Walcott off seamer Darius Martin.

With Volcanoes on top, Mohammed and Webster joined forces in an invaluable 98-run fifth wicket stand which steered Red Force to tea without further loss at 142-4. Mohammed faced 201 balls in a compact knock and struck five fours while Webster hit five fours and two sixes in a breezy 63-ball innings.

When Webster slashed at a wide one from John and nicked behind, his dismissal sparked a slide which saw three wickets tumble for 25 runs but Mohammed held firm to earn the draw. (West Indies Cricket).