Turks Defy Brazilian Challenge by CricketArchive

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Scorecard:	Brazil v Turks and Caicos Islands
Event:	ICC World Cricket League Americas Region Division Three 2005/06

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DateLine: 22nd February 2006

 

In the opening match of the ICC Americas WCL Division 3 tournament the Turks & Caicos Islands saw off a spirited challenge from Brazil to record a 49 run victory at Snellen Park today.

 

Brazilian captain Matt Featherstone won the toss and elected to bowl first, and the Turks batsmen immediately showed their intent with attacking batting from the start. On a slow wicket this approach led them into deep trouble, and Brazil were clearly on top with the islanders in disarray at 98 for 8 after 18 overs.

 

Top-order batsmen Terrence Thomas (28) and Calvin Chase (21) had made a bright start and made good use of a speedy outfield, but the persistently aggressive shot-making saw the Turks batting line-up lose wickets at regular intervals, and they slumped remarkably from 86 for 2 to 98 to 8.

 

The Brazilian outfielding proved to be polished on the ground and in the air, and it took some late hitting from the Turks tailenders to eventually post 168 all out in 29 overs. Coming in at number nine, Henry Saunders (36) posted the top score of the innings.

 

A fine spell of off-spin bowling from Deodat Randolph (6-35) did the bulk of the damage, but overall it was an excellent start for Brazil in their first ever official ICC international match.

 

Although set back by a wicket in the first over, bowling hero Randolph (37), along with skipper Matt Featherstone (29), appeared to be easing Brazil to an unlikely and fairytale victory with an accomplished partnership of 69 for the second wicket.

 

Even with the departure of key batsman Featherstone in the 14th over, and the score poised at 73 for 2, one felt that was still Brazil’s game for the taking. However, the introduction of Carlton Saunders into the attack, the match swung dramatically, and the Brazilian challenge literally wilted in the Surinamese humidity as the South Americans crashed to 119 all out in 29 overs, and defeat by 49 runs.

 

Saunders finished with the extraordinary analysis of 4,5 overs and 5 wickets for 4 runs.

 

So victory for the Turks & Caicos Islands, and they will want to add another victory to their campaign when they meet Chile on Friday. Brazil meanwhile may perhaps rue a missed opportunity, but nevertheless can be proud of a spirited performance in their first outing in the international arena. In addition, they claimed the first Man of the Match award, to Deodat Randolph for his 6 for 35 and innings of 37.

 

Tomorrow, at Snellen Park, the hosts Suriname meet the other debutants in the competition, Chile, in what is an eagerly awaited clash