Rambaran and Layne shine as West Indies Academy notch first Super50 victory

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A resilient performance by Andrew Rambaran and Johann Layne helped the West Indies Academy claim their first victory of the Regional Super50 tournament, overcoming the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners in a tightly contested match that ended via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

Chasing 175 at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, the West Indies Academy found themselves in a precarious position at 118 for seven after a devastating spell from Marooners’ off-spinner Romario Greaves, who dismantled the top order with figures of 5-45 from 10 overs. Despite the early setbacks, Rambaran and Layne combined for a crucial unbeaten 49-run partnership for the eighth wicket, guiding the Academy to 167 for seven before rain interrupted play at 40.5 overs, sealing a tense three-wicket win.

A vulnerable position

Greaves’ bowling initially appeared decisive, as he claimed key wickets including opener Ackeem Auguste (17), top-scorer Rivaldo Clarke (38), and Joshua Bishop (15), leaving the Academy in a vulnerable position. Yet, Rambaran’s composed 37 off 60 balls and Layne’s counter-attacking 25 from 28 balls, featuring two sixes and two fours, brought the Academy to the brink of victory.