Hyderabad, Oct 23 (Inditop.com) Sensational batting from Trinidad and Tobago saw them successfully chase down 176 against Cape Cobras and storm into the final of the Champions League Twenty20 cricket here Thursday.
The West Indian team crossed the target with four balls to spare and seven wickets in hand, setting-up a title clash with the top Australian side New South Wales here Friday.
Trinidad and Tobago has been the team to watch out for in the tournament, maintaining an unbeaten record. Tonight they once again exhibited the quality in their ranks that truly reflected the Caribbean flair.
William Perkins (20) and Adrian Barath (29) gave a blazing start to Trinidad innings, knocking off 53 runs in just 30 balls. Lendl Simmons (20), skipper Darren Ganga (44 not out), Dwayne Bravo (58 not out) stepped up the attacking tempo to seal victory. Although three dropped catches from Cape Cobras also played a part in Trinidad victory.
Trinidad also benefitted immensely from the last over of their bowling when Ravi Rampaul conceded only two runs with two set batsmen Jean Paul Duminy (61 not out off 40 balls) and Vernon Phialnder (13 not out) at the crease.
Duminy anchored the Cape Cobras batting after Herschelle Gibbs set the foundation with an explosive 42 off 27 balls, stroking five fours and one six. Duminy and Rory Kleinveldt (21) then added 34 runs for the fourth wicket. The South African side finished at 175 for five.
After his batting exploits, it was Duminy who slowed things down with the ball after Perkins and Barath looked to be in a hurry to finish the match. Barath and Pekins produced some stunning shots, picking Monde Zondeki and Kleinveldt for some special treatment. The partnership was broken when Perkins was run out after a terrible mix-up in the middle.
Duminy then trapped Barath leg before in the seventh over and the two quick wickets came as a big relief for Cape Cobras.
But Simmons and Ganga continued to bat aggressively which also meant chances for Cape Cobras. Henry Davids was a bundle of energy and dropped two catches, both of
Simmons.
Simmons was finally dismissed by Kleinveldt and Bravo then played a breathtaking innings.
Bravo, too, got a life, dropped by Justin Ontong when he was batting on 17. He then changed gears and played fearlessly, stroking four fours and three sixes. Bravo and Ganga shared an unbeaten 93 runs for the third wicket to put the issue beyond the South African side.