By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterJAMAICA'S YOUNG cricketers, struggling to reach the semi-finals, face an uphill task when they tackle Trinidad and Tobago in their final preliminary round TCL Group/West Indies Under-19 Championship three-day match at the LBI Ground in Guyana today.
If Jamaica (16 points) beat leaders Trinidad (32), no matter what happens in the other Zone B clash between Windward Islands (16) and Rest of Americas (pointless) at Everest, Jamaica will advance based on a better run-rate.
In Zone A, the Leeward Islands take on Barbados at DCC and Canada tackle Guyana at Bourda.
MUST WIN
Jamaica's coach Junior Bennett is aware that only a win can save his team. "We will have to go all out for the win, nothing less can help us," Bennett said.
"The players decided to give it their best shot, however the batsmen will have to bat well. That is the problem, we have been bowling fairly well but because of the low scoring, they are under pressure, they consistently have to defend low totals," he said.
The Jamaicans lost out on glorious opportunity to book a semi-final spot in their last match against the Windward Islands and now face a do-or-die situation if they are to repeat last year's semi-final showing. However, to win against the tournament's favourites will not be easy.
CENTURY-MAKERS HOLD KEY
Dangerous pacer Ravi Rampaul along with West Indies A batsman Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin and opening batsman Tishan Maraj, who all scored centuries for Trinidad and Tobago this season, stand between Jamaica and victory.
Despite those four top-class players, coach Bennett believes if top batsman Xavier Marshall hits form, Jamaica will be victorious.
"He has been batting well but just not carrying on. He is the man that will have to come good now and keep the batting together," Bennett said.
"We have also played good cricket against Trinidad and Tobago over the years ... it's a little thing between Jamaica and Trinidad when it comes down to it," he said.
