McKenzie, Andrew help Thunder end Legions’ unbeaten streak

TAROUBA, Trinidad (CMC):

MICAH MCKENZIE led with the ball and Jewel Andrew starred with the bat as the Leeward Islands Thunder inflicted the first defeat on the Trinidad and Tobago Legions in the West Indies Breakout League on Friday.

Legions’ opener Amir Jangoo struck an enterprising half-century as the home side posted 151 for eight from their 20 overs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, after being sent in by the visitors.

McKenzie grabbed four wickets with his leg breaks to help orchestrate a middle-order collapse that sucked the life out of the Legions’ innings.

Andrew then struck 47 from 28 balls, as the Thunder comfortably chased down their target, finishing on 152 for seven with 18 balls to spare.

The Thunder handed the top-of-the-table Legions their first loss in four outings, while they remain the only unbeaten team in the competition with three wins in as many games.

Jangoo was the mainstay of the Legions’ total, with his 52 requiring just 39 balls and containing five fours and two sixes.

Together with Kamil Pooran, they took the Legions to a comfortable position of 80 for two in the 12th over, during a 44-run partnership.

But things went downhill after McKenzie trapped Pooran lbw for six to grab his second wicket of the match.

McKenzie then had Jangoo caught five runs later, and, with his next delivery, he had Navin Bidaisee lbw for a first-ball duck to see the Legions slip to 85 for five.

The home side was rescued by Johann Layne, who hit an unbeaten 22 off 10 balls, and Joshua James, who finished on 13 not out from eight balls, after they fell into even further trouble at 114 for eight in the 18th over.

McKenzie finished with figures of 4-25 while Cameron Pennyfeather supported with 2-21.

The Thunder found themselves in a spot of bother early on when Shaaron Lewis dismissed Jaime Cornelius for a duck and Layne accounted for Mikyle Louis, to leave the score 24 for two.

But Andrew and opener Kofi James put on 62 runs for the third wicket to help them rebuild their innings.

And, after James fell for 36 and Andrew lost his wicket for 47 to see them slide to 115 for four, Giovonte Depeiza scored 32 to carry them within sight of the finish, before losing his wicket with seven runs needed for victory.

Layne took 2-28 with his medium pace, while off spinner Navin Bidaisse claimed 2-36.