The Trinidad and Tobago Legions romped to a commanding 64-run victory over the Barbados Pelicans in their opening match of the West Indies T20 Breakout League, as they set the tone for the remainder of the tournament with a balanced, all-round performance at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Friday night.
After being sent in to bat, the Legions overcame a shaky start to post a competitive 165-8, before four of their bowlers, led by a sensational Johann Layne, who took 2-7 in four overs, including a maiden, took two wickets each to skittle the Pelicans for 101 in 19.3 overs.
The home side's charge was ignited late in their innings by a ferocious cameo from Joshua James, whose 39 off just 20 balls included four sixes and a four. His explosive finish helped the Legions plunder 59 runs in the last three overs, breathing life into a total that looked modest at one stage.
James was not done yet as he returned with the ball to claim 2-21 and wrap up a Player of the Match performance.
Joshua James (left) and Jyd Goolie. (Photos: Daniel Prentice)
Earlier, the Legions’ innings had faltered at the start, as they slumped to 25-3 inside five overs as Cephas Cooper (zero), Kamil Pooran (two), and captain Joshua Da Silva (one) all fell cheaply. But steady hands in the middle order helped right the ship — Amir Jangoo made a composed 32 off 34 balls, while Navin Bidaisee added 24 off 23 balls to forge crucial partnerships.
Anchoring it all was Jyd Goolie, who compiled a smart, unbeaten 38 off 27 balls, peppered with three fours and two sixes, providing the platform for James' late onslaught.
Among the Pelicans' bowlers, Junior Sinclair (2-17) and Zishan Motara (2-22) were tidy, but Ramon Simmonds (2-46) and captain Nyeem Young, who went wicketless for 34 runs, leaked heavily in the death overs, as the Legions seized control.
In reply, the Pelicans’ chase faltered almost immediately. Layne removed Kadeem Alleyne (two) with his first delivery and followed it up by knocking over Kevin Wickham (one).
Barbados Pelicans captain Nyeem Young plays a shot.
Spinners Navin Bidaisee (2-11) and Damion Joachim (1-22) tightened the screws further in the middle overs before James struck twice in one over to break the back of the chase. The Pelicans' innings never really recovered. Mikkel Govia (2-14) polished off the tail to ensure there was no late resistance.
Only Young, who made a 36-ball 33, including three fours and a six, Leniko Boucher (23), and Zishan Motara (11) managed to cross double figures, as the Pelicans crumbled under sustained pressure.
Action continues on Saturday with another double-header as Jamaica Titans will open against Leeward Islands Thunders, while the Legion will feature against Guyana Rainforest Rangers in the late contest.