Da Silva Expresses Satisfaction with the Legion

Joshua Da Silva, captain of the Trinidad & Tobago Legions, expressed immense satisfaction with his team’s commanding six-wicket victory over the Windward Islands Infernos in their final group stage match of the West Indies Breakout T20 tournament. This win solidified their position at the top of the standings, securing their advancement to the next round and making them strong contenders to proceed directly to the final. Da Silva was particularly pleased with the revitalized performance of his top-order batsmen, who had previously struggled to make a significant impact in the tournament.

The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, saw the Trinidad & Tobago team chase down a target of 163 with 11 balls to spare. Despite losing an early wicket in the powerplay, Crystian Thurton and Navin Bidaisee anchored the chase with impressive half-centuries, scoring 50 and 56 not out, respectively. Their contributions proved crucial in securing the victory and boosting the team’s morale heading into the next stage of the competition. Da Silva emphasized the importance of this batting resurgence, acknowledging the team’s previous reliance on their bowling and fielding strengths.

While acknowledging the missed opportunity to secure a bonus point for reaching a certain run rate in the powerplay without losing more than one wicket, Da Silva prioritized allowing his batsmen to play freely and capitalize on scoring opportunities without feeling restricted by tactical considerations. He explained the balancing act between aiming for bonus points and encouraging aggressive batting, emphasizing the need for players to be both smart and uninhibited in their approach. Although Amir Jangoo’s dismissal in the sixth over cost them the bonus point, Da Silva remained content with the overall result and the positive signs displayed by the batting unit.

Turning to the bowling performance, Da Silva admitted to some early lapses, with the team conceding a few too many loose deliveries in the powerplay. However, he commended his bowlers for tightening the screws in the crucial middle and death overs. He specifically praised Navin Bidaisee and Jyd Goolie for their economical spells, which helped restrict the Windward Islands Infernos to a manageable total. This controlled bowling performance, coupled with the impressive batting display, showcased the team’s all-around capabilities.

Da Silva reserved special praise for Crystian Thurton, whose return to form after a quiet debut earlier in the tournament provided a significant boost to the team’s batting lineup. He highlighted Thurton’s known potential and expressed satisfaction at seeing him deliver a strong performance on such a crucial platform. This reinforced the team’s belief in their batting depth and provided further impetus for the upcoming matches. The captain also acknowledged the consistently strong bowling and fielding efforts throughout the tournament, further solidifying their status as a well-rounded and formidable team.

Looking ahead, Da Silva expressed confidence in his team’s progress and anticipated building on their recent success in the next phase of the competition. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming break to regroup and refine their strategies before their next challenge. While awaiting confirmation of their next opponent, the Trinidad & Tobago Legions maintain a strong position in the tournament, aiming to capitalize on their current momentum and secure a place in the final. The remaining group stage matches promise to be exciting, with the Leeward Islands Thunder still vying for a top spot and the other teams battling for the remaining qualifying positions. The tournament continues with matches between the Barbados Pelicans and the Guyana Rainforest Rangers, followed by the Jamaica Titans against the Windward Islands Infernos, culminating in the final group stage match between the Leeward Islands Thunder and the Windward Islands Infernos.