Jangoo puts Red Force in control against Hurricanes

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

Amir Jangoo’s unbeaten century spearheaded a strong batting response by the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and put them in a perfect position to push for victory against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the West Indies Championship.

At Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, Jangoo’s second first-class century has left Trinidad and Tobago Red Force as the clear favourites to defeat the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their opening-round contest.

Jangoo ended the day on 133 not out, and together with half-centuries by captain Joshua Da Silva and Terrance Hinds, carried the Red Force to 380 for five – an already-hefty lead of 242 runs – in response to the Hurricanes’ paltry 138.

Resuming the day on 62 without loss, pacer Oshane Thomas grabbed the early wicket of Cephas Cooper without a run being added.

Justin Greaves claimed the wicket of Jason Mohammed for 17, while Thomas also dismissed Jyd Goolie for 14, to see the Red Force slip to 100 for three.

From thereon, the visitors seized complete control of the contest, thanks to significant contributions from the middle order.

Thomas grabbed his third wicket by bowling opener Evin Lewis one run short of a well-deserved half-century, but Jangoo and Da Silva helped them tighten their grip on the match.

The two shared a 109-run partnership for the fourth wicket that took them past the Hurricanes’ total and gave them a platform on which to build a sizeable first-innings lead.

And when off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall trapped Da Silva lbw for 62 off 116 balls, Hinds made sure there would be no further success for the home side, finishing the day unbeaten on 55 from 96 balls.

Jangoo has faced 209 balls and hit 13 fours and four sixes in his unbeaten knock.

For the Hurricanes, Thomas has so far taken 3-82.