In a rescheduled second-round encounter of the Cricket West Indies/Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Under-23 Cup, Steelpan Titans clinched their inaugural tournament victory with a commanding five-wicket triumph over Soca Strikers Under-19. The match unfolded on December 9 at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.
Batting first after being sent in, Soca Strikers posted a competitive total of 144/9 within their allotted 28 overs. Their innings was propelled by aggressive batting displays from Darius Battoosingh, who smashed a rapid-fire 47 runs from merely 27 deliveries, and opener Salem Khan, who contributed a steady 43 from 49 balls.
The Titans’ bowling attack proved exceptionally effective in containing the Strikers’ batting lineup. Calvin Loubon emerged as the standout performer, claiming an impressive four wickets for just 20 runs. Nick Ramlal demonstrated his all-round capabilities by securing three crucial wickets for 17 runs, while pace bowler Jane Agard supported effectively with two dismissals for 22 runs.
In response, Steelpan Titans reached the victory target of 146 runs with five wickets in hand, achieving the total in just 26.3 overs. The chase was masterfully anchored by Nick Ramlal, who remained not out on a match-winning 56 runs. He received valuable support from opening batsman Riyaad Mohammed, who added 32 runs to the tally, and Jayden Kent, who contributed 20 runs to the successful pursuit.
For the previously unbeaten Soca Strikers U19, this defeat marks their first loss in two matches. Their bowling efforts were led by Daron Dhanraj, who took two wickets for 13 runs, and Renaldo Fournillier, who captured two wickets for 31 runs.
The U23 Cup competition continues on December 10 with third-round fixtures, featuring Steelpan Titans facing Scarlet Blazers at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, while Soca Strikers U19 will seek redemption against Cocrico Warriors at the National Cricket Centre.