Notwithstanding the Guyana Jaguars’ crushing nine-wicket victory over the Windward Islands Volcanoes in the final preliminary round match on Monday, Captain Leon Johnson says he has no intention of underestimating their opponents when the two teams meet again in the second semi-final tomorrow.
On Monday Guyana bowled the Windwards out for 153 before cruising to 155 for one with 128 balls to spare. It was a victory that would have boosted the confidence of the Jaguars knowing that they would face the same opponents again in the second of the two semi-finals three days later.
However, Johnson, whose side have not won the tournament in 16 years, say they are not taking anything for granted.
“We are not going to be complacent after a good victory on Monday. They have one of the better players, Kavem (Hodge) returning to strengthen their side,” he said.
“Windwards have beaten us in the semi-finals already, a couple of years ago, so obviously they’re not to be taken lightly. They have quality players in their side and in limited-overs cricket, it’s one day so the team that plays better on the day comes out victorious.”
The captain does concede, however, that his side will be under some pressure to break their 16-year drought in the tournament, having last won the 50-over title in 2005.
“Once you’re representing your country or your region there is always some pressure to perform,” he said.
“Guyana is a cricket-loving country and 16 years without a title, and we have produced some good players over the years, is sad to not win a title in 16 years is sad, but we take it one game at a time. But we first have a semi-final hurdle to cross.”
For tomorrow's semi-final, Guyana will bring in all-rounder Raymon Reifer and leg-spinner Veerasammy Permaul to replace wicketkeeper/batsman Kemol Savory and batsman Assad Fudadin.
Match time between the Guyana Jaguars and the Windward Island Volcanoes is set for 1:30 pm (12:30 Jamaica time) at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.