The Cricket West Indies/TT Cricket Board Under-23 Cup makes its anticipated return on December 9 with a rescheduled second-round showdown between Soca Strikers Under-19 and Steelpan Titans at Balmain’s National Cricket Centre in Couva.
Originally slated for December 6, this critical match became the tournament’s third weather-related postponement in four scheduled games, highlighting the disruptive impact of seasonal rainfall on Caribbean cricket calendars.
Soca Strikers U19 enter the contest with formidable momentum following their dominant nine-wicket victory over Scarlet Blazers in the tournament opener – the only match thus far to reach a conclusive result. Their previous performance demonstrated exceptional all-round capabilities with both bat and ball.
During that opening match at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Blazers posted 190 all out in 41.2 overs, thanks primarily to Sachin Emrit’s unbeaten 50 and R Yearwood’s contribution of 39 runs. The bowling attack proved decisive as Brendan Boodoo delivered a spectacular performance, claiming 5/21, supported by Saleem Khan’s 2/37.
The chase became a masterclass in controlled batting as Khan remained undefeated with 107 runs from 109 deliveries, partnered by Aadi Ramsaran’s equally impressive 61 not out from 68 balls. Their unbeaten partnership guided Soca Strikers to a commanding 196/1 in just 36.2 overs.
Tournament scheduling continues to face challenges as the initial first-round match between Steelpan Titans and Cocrico Warriors suffered similar weather disruptions, with its December 6 rescheduling also falling victim to precipitation. The following day’s second-round encounter between Cocrico Warriors and Scarlet Blazers began but ultimately succumbed to weather after Blazers reached 177/2 in 33.2 overs, featuring half-centuries from Yearwood (54) and Rajeev Ramnath (51 not out).
Following the December 9 fixture, the tournament progresses immediately to third-round matches on December 10, featuring Titans versus Blazers at NCC and Strikers U19 confronting Warriors at Tarouba.