Wednesday March 15th, 2017, 7pm, Soufriere Mini Stadium
- Sanjay Pamphile 37* & 2 for 6
Despite ominous weather during the day game 6 in the the SoufriereT20 was poised to heat up the place and keep all rain at bay, it did not disappoint.
Faith United and Team Unite met up at the bottom of group 2 with Faith having lost the night before. Both teams would hope to record a win as losing would put two loss team on the verge of elimination.
Team Unite won the toss and chose to field. Faith United was out to prove that their strength was not solely in their bowling attack but could handle the bat as well. Tonelle Pascal top scored with 35 runs and Methodius Paul chipped in with 24 helping Faith United post up a total of 106 all out in 18.5 overs. On this night any other 100 looked to be a very competitive score with the pitch offering bounce and pace for the bowlers.
Team Unite's Clem St. Rose led the bowling pack with 3 for 17, grabs a tough catch in the outfield and spectacular direct hit run out from 40 feet out. Sanjay Pamphile was clinical in his bowling not allowing batsmen any leeway at 2 for 6 bowling from the Riverside End. Matherson St. Rose also snags 2 for 16
With 107 to win both teams felt they had a shot at taking 2 crucial points. Faith United's strong bowling attack managed to do what they couldn't the night before, get past the middle order. Isidore Abraham again generated pace and was a constant threat at 2 for 12, Methodius Paul 2 for 21 and Dwight Thomas 2 for 17.
Faith United kept taking wickets regularly, stifling Team Unite at one point scoring at around 3 per over. Clem St. Rose manages to stick around and get 19 but when he was out, Team Unite was fully into their tail.
Team Unite kept losing wickets and were down to their final wicket with 97 on the board and 10 more to get. Sanjay Pamphile proved he was not only clinical with ball but can be devastating with bat in hand. Having crushed the ball to the boundary previously the real work was cut out with the last wicket. Leg bye followed by two runs then a 6 by Pamphile leveled the scores. Pamphile hits a 6 off the last ball to finish the game in style much to the delight of his team who storm the field in celebration, finishing on 37 not out. Team Unite won by 1 wicket 112 for 9 in 17 overs.
Faith United were disheartened by losing a close one. They were hurt by an easy missed catch earlier in the game and a run out decision that didn't go their way which led to 5 penalty runs for player dissent. Team Unite will savour victory and hope to put up similar fight in their last group match to try to get out the group.
The current tournament standings are as follows in order of lead:
Group 1: Challengers 2 points (played 1), Zenon 2 points (played 1), River Roots 2 points (played 2), New D' Knights 0 points (played 2)
Group 2: Belfond 2 points (played 1), Fond St Jacques 2 points (played 1), Team Unite 2 points (played 2), Faith United 0 points (played 2)
Subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Stay tuned here and on social media for updates.