Amir Khan scored a patient half-century

Amir Khan scored a patient half-century to lead the Yannick Ottley XI to a 21-run victory over the Nicholas Alexis XI in the BGTT Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Quadrangular Under-19 Tournament at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva yesterday.

Khan scored 50 as Ottley's XI were dismissed for 195, which was enough to ensure the win.

Qadir Shah gave the Alexis XI a good start, removing opener Aaron Alfred for four in the second over with the score on 13, but skipper Yannick Ottley and Amir Khan steadied the ship, taking the total past the 100-run mark.

The pair faced 26 overs to post a partnership worth 93 runs, with Khan bringing up his 50 after 99 balls and 118 minutes at the crease.

It included four fours and a six and after getting to the milestone, Khan was bowled by Terrence Ramsaroop to open the flood gates.

Three overs later, with the score on 115, Ottley, who faced 98 balls for his 41, sent a catch to Vashisht Maraj off the bowling of Rampersad.

With the batsmen trying to score quickly, Derone Davis came into the attack to remove wicket-keeper Clayton Wallace, bowled for a duck, and Javed Boodram, brilliantly caught and bowled, after a few juggles, for six with the score on 191. Akeil Hosein, who had compiled 29 runs from 46 balls, was then bowled by Shah in the last over, followed by Aneil Harrypersad in similar fashion off the penultimate ball of the innings.

When the Alexis XI batted, Savion Lara top-scored with 40 but that was not enough as Harrypersad took three for 29 to finish the job for the Ottley XI.

In yesterday's other match at Greig Street Recreation Ground, Marcelle Jones and Darron Beekah, along with their skipper Yannic Cariah, almost bowed their team to victory after they posted a low total of 99.

Jones took four for 33, while the skipper had two for 21 as the Akiel Cooper XI barely reached their target with three wickets in hand.

The chase was made even more difficult with Beekah bowling economically, taking one for five off eight overs, but it was not enough to stave off defeat.

From:www.trinidadexpress.com