CUL DE SAC--Cricket St. Maarten High Performance League continues on Sunday with Flamboyant Firebats taking on Super Smashers at Caribe Lumber Ballpark, from 10:00am.
Smashers are looking to rebound after failing to chase 196 against Brazen Bulls last week Sunday. Whilst they fell eight runs short of the target, the manner of the loss will trouble them. Captain Romain Doodnauth smashed the first century of the league, but was left stranded as the lower order batsmen struggled to give him the strike at crucial times.
On the other hand, Flamboyanty Firebats rushed into the tournament looking to exploit all the weaknesses displayed by Smashers. The middle and lower order batsmen will be hoping to improve on last week's performance with the bat. Another area of concern is the fielding department, which contributed to the loss of Sunday.
Firebats will have on display some high-powered seam bowlers in Joel Brown, Captain Kenroy David, Burt Dupie and Shadrack Descarte. Also an equally efficient spin- bowling attack with leg spinner Mrinal Wadhwa, left-arm spinner Daryl Doram and off spinner Lionel Ritchie.
Firebats’ batting department is spearheaded by Dameon Williams with solid assistance coming from Shem Pascal, Ezekiel Felis, Wadhwa and Descarte.
The Cricket St. Maarten High Performance League is a new concept being piloted by the board to primarily enhance the quality of 50 overs cricket, and bring a more professional standard to local cricket.
The league has three teams: Brazen Bull, Super Smashers and Flamboyant Firebats, and are coached by Stephen Evans, Danga Farrell and Rishie Singh respectively. The best and fittest cricketers on the island were selected to play in the league.
After the close encounter in the opening match, cricket fans are expected to be served with another enthralling cricket match, as the best players display their skills.
