The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is still basking in the glory of their recent victory in the National Jamaica Cricket Association, JCA, /50 Overs Championship. They clinched a two-wicket win over Melbourne at Sabina Park on Saturday, securing their title under the Duckworth/Lewis method due to bad light interrupting play.
At the point when play was halted, the JDF had reached 220 for 8 in 40 overs, chasing Melbourne’s 245 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. The Duckworth/Lewis method was invoked, with the JDF ahead on run rate, awarding them the victory by two wickets. Andre McCarty was Melbourne’s top scorer, narrowly missing his second century of the campaign by one run, as he made 99. Shalome Parnell contributed 47 runs, and there were 48 extras. Gordon Bryan, with figures of 4 for 29, and Tyrone Burton, with 2 for 31, were the leading wicket-takers for the soldiers.
In response, the champions struggled against a steady Melbourne attack and were at 147 for 6 at one stage. However, when bad light halted play, they had reached 220 for 8. Deethmar Anderson top-scored with 77, while Kevin Daley made 44, and Leighton Leslie and Dennis Bulli contributed 30 runs each. Matthew Comrie was Melbourne’s leading wicket-taker with 3 for 38. This victory marked the first time in a decade that a team has won the 50-overs title back-to-back.
