JANGOO...I really want to play the best for the team, whether it's keeping wicket or batting at the top or middle of the order.
After missing out on selection for last year’s Cricket West Indies Regional Super50, Amir Jangoo is not only happy to be included in Trinidad and Tobago’s squad for this year’s edition of the tournament, but he is also aiming to make the most of the opportunity.
The wicketkeeper/batsman, who has been enjoying a rich vein of form so far this year, has his sights set on maintaining that positive run to assist Trinidad and Tobago Red Force defend their title in the October 29 to November 23 tournament.
Jangoo tallied 500 runs for the Red Force in five regional four-day matches earlier this year, as he ended as the Twin Island Republic’s leading run scorer and the fourth-highest scorer in the competition. He was only bettered by Mikyle Louis (682 runs), Kraigg Brathwaite (565), and Kevin Sinclair (508).
The 27-year-old Jangoo, who also notched a maiden First-Class hundred during that tournament when he scored 218 against the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners, was named the TT Cricket Board's (TTCB) National Cricketer of the Year earlier this month, a feat that has significantly boosted his confidence.
“Getting the award is just the beginning. It's basically a foundation for bigger things I want to achieve, like making the West Indies team. At this level, it's all about consistency, so I'm looking forward to the Super50 tournament, and I want to dominate that, as well as the upcoming four-day season next year," Jangoo told Newsday in a recent interview.
“I want to really push and go on to better things. I'll definitely say I'm in the best form of my life. It's all about how well you can develop your game and how quickly as well. Being 27, I've learnt a lot, and I'm in a pretty good space in my career right now,” he added.
Jangoo attributed his improvements to advice from compatriot and West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Nicholas Pooran.
"Pooran did some one-on-one work with us batsmen, and I think that actually helped me to understand my game a bit more. I actually just kept working on certain things with my technique. It was all about batting for longer periods of time and doing the right things for longer. That's what I really worked on,” Jangoo shared.
With Pooran’s advice still fresh in his mind, the left-hander pointed out that he is locked in and ready to go as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force is set to open their campaign against the Marooners on Tuesday.
“I really want to play the best for the team, whether it's keeping wicket or batting at the top or middle of the order. It's about adapting my game to the team's benefit,” he declared.
Matthew Nandu's century in vain as Harpy Eagles, CCC Marooners contest end in No-result
Guyana Harpy Eagles and Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners were robbed an opportunity to bounce back from opening defeats in the CG United Super50 Cup as their second contest ended in a no result due to inclement weather at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.
With the encounter initially reduced to 45 overs per side, the Harpy Eagles got their innings in and posted a competitive 271-7, thanks to a century from Canada-born Matthew Nandu (116), and half-centuries from captain Tevin Imlach (51) and Kemol Savory, who was left unbeaten on an even 50 off 42 balls.
Nandu’s knock came off 103 balls and included five sixes and seven fours, as he partnered with Imlach in a 123-run second wicket stand after Tagenarine Chanderpaul (13) went cheaply. Imlach struck five fours in his brisk 58-ball knock before he fell to Abhijai Mansingh, who also accounted for Kevlon Anderson (11).
Nandu and Savory then posted another 52 runs for the fourth wicket to keep the momentum going, but the former became the first of three quick wickets as the Marooners gradually pulled things back. Still, Savory pressed on in a dynamic knock that had two fours and one six to put the Harpy Eagles in a decent position.
Mikkel Govia (4-42) did the most damage for the Marooners with support from Mansingh (2-42).
The Marooners run chase started positively with Kamil Pooran (20) and Kieran Powell (8 not out) posting 32 for the first wicket before the rain had the final say after a mere 6.5 overs.
This no result means both teams are still left to play catch up, as the Harpy Eagles lost their first contest by one wicket to Windward Islands Volcanoes, while the Marooners went down by 60 runs to reigning champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.
Jansen, Coetzee return as Rabada rested for South Africa’s T20 series against India
Fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen have been included in the South Africa squad for their four-match home T20I series against India scheduled to begin on November 8.
The duo will make their return after injury lay-offs, but Cricket South Africa have rested Kagiso Rabada along with Lungi Ngidi with a home Test series against Sri Lanka to follow later next month.
Aiden Markram will captain the side against India, who beat the Proteas to win the T20 World Cup in Barbados earlier this year, while David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Keshav Maharaj are all included.
All-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana has received his maiden call-up, while uncapped Andile Simelane is also part of the roster.
“It’s both an exciting and important series for us as we continue to build towards the T20 World Cup in 2026,” said South Africa white-ball coach Rob Walter.
Brisbane Heat hand Matthews and Dottin’s Melbourne Renegades second loss to begin WBBL
Hayley Matthews produced a strong all-round performance but it wasn’t enough to help the Melbourne Renegades avoid a 28-run defeat against the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League in Brisbane, Australia on Wednesday.
The West Indian skipper first picked up 2-21 from her three overs as the Heat posted 169-8 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat.
Matthews was supported by Sophie Molineux who grabbed 2-35 from four overs while fellow West Indian Deandra Dottin took 1-27 from her four.
Georgia Redmayne led the Heat with 44 while Laura Harris made 31.
With the bat, Matthews made a 23-ball 35 at the top of the order in support of Naomi Stalenberg who led the Renegades with 38.
In the end, they could only manage 141-9 from their 20 overs thanks to some excellent bowling from the Heat.
Player of the match Grace Parsons led the way with 3-22 from her four overs while Shikha Pandey took 2-27 from four overs in support.
The Renegades now have two losses in as many games this season and will look to bounce back on Friday when they face the Perth Scorchers in Melbourne.
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