Former WI U19 star Singh steers Titans to victory

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, CMC – Former West Indies Under-19 allrounder Gajanand Singh upstaged Bermuda pair Kamau Leverock and Delray Rawlins as Titans Cricket Club defeated Florida Scorpions by five wickets in the US Open Cricket T20 tournament here on Thursday.

The Guyanese claimed two for eight with his medium pace and then led the run chase with an unbeaten 79 from 56 balls with two sixes and seven fours to earn the player of the match accolade.

“It’s a challenge batting on the pitch,” said the 34-year-old left-hander, who featured in the 2006 ICC Under-19 World Cup alongside Kemar Roach and Kieron Pollard but now represents the United States internationally.

“But having our bowlers restrict them for that total, I was confident of someone batting through the innings we’ll get there.

“Earlier it [pitch] was really slow and it really didn’t get much better in the second innings. But knowing your target helps and if someone gets to bat right through it will definitely put your team in a position to win.”

Scorpions’ vice-captain Leverock made 22 from 16 balls before holing out to long-on while Rawlins made four before driving to extra cover and then took one for 24 with his left-arm spin.

The Scorpions, who beat Clarion County Eagles by eight wickets in their opener on Monday night, failed to capitalise on a promising start and were restricted to 153 for six after being sent in before the Titans eased home with seven balls to spare.

Scottish pair Richie Berrington (40 not out) and Chris Greaves (25 not out) were the leading contributors to the Scorpions total while West Indies white-ball left-arm spinner Khary Pierre picked up two for 16 for the winners.