As the group stage of the St Kitts and Nevis Cool and Smooth T20 nears its conclusion, the Sandy Point Snappers and defending champions Molineaux Blue Runners delivered commanding performances to boost their momentum ahead of the knockout rounds.
The Sandy Point Snappers turned in a dominant all-round display to crush the St Pauls Barracudas by 90 runs, hitting peak form at the perfect time in the tournament. Batting first, the Snappers posted a competitive 138-8 with steady contributions throughout the line-up. Eirette Richards provided a measured start with 15 off 28 balls, while Dahri Francis added impetus with a lively 30 from 20 deliveries. Theron Bussue (23 off 17) and Adrian Williams (26 off 15) then propelled the innings forward in the closing stages. For the Barracudas, Kaivalya Mishra was the standout with the ball, returning a tidy 2-14 from his four overs. Nathan Sealy also made inroads with figures of 3-48.
In response, the Barracudas crumbled to just 58 all out, undone by a relentless Snappers attack. Kian Pemberton led the charge with 3-12, while Jelani Joseph claimed 3-14. Adrian Williams chipped in with 2-8 in a strong all-round performance. Captain Theron Bussue played a key role, contributing with bat and ball, taking a wicket, holding two catches, and being involved in a run-out. The Snappers’ emphatic win underlined their depth and signalled they are hitting top gear at a critical point in the competition.
In a closely fought contest, the Molineaux Blue Runners delivered a measured and united chase to overcome the Government Road Sharks by four wickets with three balls remaining. The Sharks had earlier built a solid foundation with Stephan Pascal leading the way with a composed 74 off 50 balls. Ross Powell (29 off 35) and captain Mikyle Louis (23 off 16) provided valuable support to guide the Sharks to 157-4 from their 20 overs.
The Blue Runners responded with a disciplined bowling effort. Keon Harding claimed two vital wickets to finish with 2-36, while Bodgenarine Sharma (1-26) and Alvin Cyril applied consistent pressure. Cyril was particularly frugal, conceding just 21 runs from his full quota of four overs. The chase was a collaborative effort from the Blue Runners. Contributions came from Ruve Louw (20 off 14), Jaleel Clarke (20 off 20), Matthew Miller (22 off 20), and Keon Harding (21 off 16). Skipper Jacques Taylor anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 35 off 28 deliveries to see his side over the line.
The Sharks bowled with determination, with Hakeem Harvey turning in an impressive spell of 2-17 from his three overs. However, steady partnerships and composed batting from the Blue Runners guided them to 161-6 in 19.4 overs, sealing an important victory.
To round off the group stage, the Government Road Sharks face off against the Sandy Point Snappers, while the Brown Hill Dolphins take on the St Pauls Barracudas.