Johnson scores again as Jamaica remain unbeaten

Jamaica got another half-century from Jordan Johnson as they recorded their third straight win in the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-over tournament on Saturday.

The Jamaicans made 158 from 41 overs in a rain-affected match against the Leeward Islands to win by six wickets, led by Duckworth-Lewis-Stern. At that stage, Jamaica were 121-4.

Scorecards at: www.windiescricket.com

The left-handed Johnson, yet to be dropped in the tournament, hit a second consecutive half-century of 59 off 52 balls with seven fours and a six to see his side over Sion Hill. He added 38 in an unbroken Fifth wicket stand by Justin Beckford (13 not out), who dragged the innings to around 83 fours in the 14th over.

Asked to bat first, the Leeward Islands were dismissed for 157 in 40.3 overs in a game reduced to 41 an over following two rain stops early in the innings.

Michael Greaves top scored with 60 off 114 balls with two Fours and a six. He made 41 for the second wicket with Michael Palmer (33) and 49 for the third wicket with Carleon Bowen-Tuckett (26). Leg-spinner Tamarie Redwood took 4-24, while left-arm spinner Alex Hinds did the early damage with 3-22.

At Arnos Vale, Guyana also overcame a rain-hit affair as they beat Barbados by 54 runs under the leadership of Duckworth-Lewis-Stern. Guyana finished 178-9 after 50 overs with Rampertab Ramnauth hitting 35, Jonathan Rampersaud 31 not out and Zachary Jodah winning with 28. Guyana lost two early wickets before opener Ramnauth made 55 for the second wicket with Shamar. Yearwood (18) to stabilize the innings.

And when the innings fell to 136-9 in the 42nd over, Rampersaud belted four and two sixes in a 24-ball cameo to inspire a 42-run, unbroken last-wicket stand for Jeremey Sand (eight not out).

In reply, Barbados slumped to 29-3 after five overs but bounced back with a 42-run, fourth-wicket partnership between top scorer, opener Zion Brathwaite (31) and Joshua Morris (10). Barbados were still in danger as rain interrupted play. 91-6 in the 22nd over and found themselves behind the required run-rate when the second shower arrived to end the 28th over prematurely as the innings stalled at 104-8. Rampersaud came back to take 3-20 while Sandia went 2-21.

At the same time, the weather also interrupted Park Hill, forcing an unsuccessful run between Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands. Trinidad and Tobago scored 123 in the 25th over with Kervin Gassie taking 4-22 and the Windwards cruised to 62-1 in the 10th over with Ackeem Auguste unbeaten on 27 as rain ended the contest.

-END-