Jags face Scorpions in crucial game today

The top of the points table Guyana Jaguars will play their final Group B match against the Jamaica Scorpions today, and a victory will almost guarantee a spot in the Regional Super50 playoffs. The tussle for the two spots is a three way battle between the Scorpions, Jaguars and Kent, but their rivals both have two games to play.

Currently on 22 points, it is especially important for the Jaguars to secure a victory, since the Scorpions (19 points) and Kent (17 points) play their final matches against USA and Leeward Hurricanes, respectively, the two bottom teams. In their first encounter, the match was interrupted by rain, and then Nikita Miller crashed the party to collect four wickets, as the Jags crumbled for 168.

The Jaguars’ batting must come good today. Chandrapaul Hemraj and Shimron Hetmyer have both provided good starts, but with Hetmyer leaving for West Indies A team duty, can his replacement, Tagnarine Chanderpaul, have an impact in a crucial game?

Christopher Barnwell has been in good form, hammering 89 in his last innings, but one or both of the two seniors, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Leon Johnson who have struggled recently, must have a good knock.

With the ball, Guyana has been ordinary, barring Keemo Paul and Devindra Bishoo, both of whom are expected to depart for international duty. Paul Wintz and Gudakesh Motie have been called up to take their places. Veerasammy Permaul though economical, has taken only four wickets in his last five outings.

Jamaica, with the likes of recent centurions Chadwick Walton, Andre Russell and Andre McCarthy, seem poised to get another big score.