The PIC Liberta Blackhawks and the New Winthorpes Lions have to share the title of the inaugural Antigua and Barbuda T20 Premier League after the final was abandoned due to rain at Ball Beef in Liberta on Saturday.
Despite rainy conditions across the islands since Thursday, the ground staff, led by ex-Windies cricketer Kenneth “Flipper” Benjamin, worked tirelessly to get the final started on time at Ball Beef on Saturday.
However, only eight balls in the Lions’ reply to 138 for six off their 20 overs by the Blackhawks, the match was brought to an end by heavy rains, which continued well into the night.
The Blackhawks, who won the toss and batted, were unable to capitalize on a solid start by openers Kofi James and skipper Rahkeem “Jimbo” Cornwall.
The pair made a brisk start, adding 55 in 4.5 overs before James was dismissed by Ishmael Peters for 23 off 14 balls, including three fours and a six.
Cornwall followed seven balls later, removed by pacer Chad Hampson for a brisk 44 off 22 balls, including five fours and three sixes.
From there, the Blackhawks’ innings never really regained their earlier momentum, as their middle and lower-order batsmen were mostly kept under control by some disciplined bowling from the Lions.
Karima Gore struck 20 off 17 balls, Junior Henry hit 17 not out off 16 balls, Hayden Walsh Jr. made 13 off 23 balls, and Joshua Thomas scored 12 not out off 15 balls.
Orandel Boston captured two for 15, while Peters, Hampson, Ian Eusebe, and Anthony “Iroots” Martin each picked up a wicket.
Openers Jermaine Otto and Xanden Hobson were unbeaten on five and three, respectively, as the Lions reached eight without losing a wicket in 1.2 overs when the rain came and ended the final match abruptly.
The Blackhawks advanced to the final by virtue of finishing at the top of the six-team round-robin preliminary round standings with a perfect 10 points after winning all five matches.
The New Winthorpes Lions booked their spot in the final by virtue of winning the single eliminator match by default against Empire Nations, who were unable to field a team due to the unavailability of several players because of work commitments.
Empire Nation and the New Winthorpes Lions qualified for the eliminator by virtue of finishing second and third, respectively, at the end of the preliminary round of matches.
Both teams finished with six points each, but Empire Nation finished second by virtue of beating the Lions when the two teams met in their preliminary round encounter.
The two finalists also shared a cash prize, donated by the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show, which is aired on Observer Radio. Idea Media, owned and operated by Colin “Tin Tin” James, also donated a cash prize to the player of the final.
Hayden Walsh Jr. of the Blackhawks claimed the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award during the preliminary round. Walsh Jr., who had an average of 34.27, received a gift certificate sponsored by Mount Joy Service Station.
The outstanding performers in the preliminary stage were rewarded with gift certificates sponsored by Automotive Arts.
Tyrone Williams of Empire Nation claimed the award for the most runs, with a tally of 199 at an average of 52.50. Blackhawks off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall captured the award for the most wickets with 11 scalps at an average of 8.73.
Blackhawks wicketkeeper Joshua Thomas took the fielding award with a total of seven dismissals.
