Leon Johnson made his maiden List A hundred, but Guyana Jaguars pulled through by the slimmest of margins, edging past Jamaica Scorpions by one wicket to advance to the final of the Super50.
Playing in the first semi-final, a day/night contest, at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday, Jaguars were coasting at 200-3 at the start of the 40th over in pursuit of 273.
However, a dramatic collapse ensued as Jaguars stumbled to 264-9 a ball into the final over.
With nine required off five balls and just a wicket in hand, Veerasammy Permaul struck a six and a four off Gordon Bryan to seal the win at 276-5 with a ball to spare.
Permaul’s 22* off 15 deliveries ensured Johnson’s brilliant effort was not futile, as Jaguars wiggled through to Sunday’s championship game to face either Trinidad and Tobago Red Force or CCC Marooners. These two square off on Friday in semi-final two at the same venue.
Jaguars’ chase started poorly, losing opener Trevon Griffith for eight at 8-1. Sherfane Rutherford (22) fell at 42-2, while Christopher Barnwell was dismissed for 11 at 80-3 by the 12th over.
Johnson and Raymon Reifer then combined for a 120-run fourth wicket stand to frustrate Scorpions and bring Jaguars back into contention. However, once Johnson fell for 101 (136 balls; 11x4s), Scorpions crawled their way back, removing Reifer as well for 68 (81 balls; 2x4s, 1×6).
Jerome Taylor took three wickets, while Nikita Miller and Bryan had two each.
Earlier, Jamaica’s 272-8 was built on Nkrumah Bonner’s 76 not out, John Campbell’s 56, Andre McCarthy’s 36 and Derval Green’s 32.
Clinton Pestano bagged 3-56, while Permaul and Romario Shepherd had two wickets apiece.
