JOHNSON TOPSCORES AGAIN AS JAMAICA REMAIN UNBEATEN

Jamaica got another half-century from Jordan Johnson as they recorded to their third straight victory in the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-overs tournament on Saturday.

In pursuit of 158 off 41 overs in a rain-hit match against Leeward Islands, the Jamaicans came away with a six-wicket victory under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern, after rain returned to end the contest after 20 overs of the run chase. At that stage Jamaica were on 121-4.

Scorecards at: www.windiescricket.com

The left-handed Johnson, yet to be dismissed in the tournament, struck a second consecutive half-century with 59 not out off 52 balls with seven fours and a six, to see his side over the line at Sion Hill. He added 38 in an unbroken fifth wicket stand with Justin Beckford (13 not out) that pulled the innings around from 83 for four in the 14th over.

Asked to bat first, Leeward Islands were dismissed for 157 off 40.3 overs, in a game reduced to 41 overs per side following two rain interruptions early in the innings.

Michael Greaves top-scored with 60 off 114 balls with two fours and a six, posting 41 for the second wicket with Michael Palmer (33) and 49 for the third wicket with Carleon Bowen-Tuckett (26). Leg-spinner Tamarie Redwood claimed 4-24 while left-arm spinner Alex Hinds did the early damage with 3-22.

At Arnos Vale, Guyana also won a rain-affected affair when they defeated Barbados by 54 runs under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern. Sent in, Guyana rallied to 178-9 off their 50 overs with Rampertab Ramnauth hitting 35, Jonathan Rampersaud getting 31 not out and Zachary Jodah chipping in with 28. Guyana lost two early wickets before opener Ramnauth put on 55 for the second wicket with Shamar Yearwood (18) to stabilise the innings.

And when the innings slumped to 136-9 in the 42nd over, Rampersaud belted a four and two sixes in a 24-ball cameo to inspire a 42-run, unbroken last wicket stand with Jeremey Sandia (eight not out).

In reply, Barbados crashed to 29-3 after five overs but recovered through a 42-run, fourth wicket partnership between top-scorer, opener Zion Brathwaite (31) and Joshua Morris (10).Barbados were still in danger when rain halted play at 91-6 in the 22nd over and found themselves behind the required run rate when the second shower arrived in the 28th to end the game prematurely with the innings stuttering on 104-8. Rampersaud returned to take 3-20 while Sandia picked up 2-21.

Meanwhile, the weather also interrupted at Park Hill, forcing a no-result between Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands. Trinidad and Tobago made 123 in the 25th over with Kervin Gassie snatching 4-22 and Windwards were cruising at 62-1 in the 10th over with Ackeem Auguste unbeaten on 27, when rain brought an end to the contest. (Windiescricket)