The West Indies Championship final round fixture between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago has been marred by allegations of ball tampering.
Guyana, who are sitting at the top of the table with 111.6 points, are facing the second-placed Trinidad and Tobago who had 105.4 points before the start of this match. Electing to field first, Guyana restricted T&T to 240, with Keemo Paul (3-45) and Nial Smith (4-49) doing the bulk of the damage.
Match 25, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force vs Guyana Harpy Eagles
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- Ball by ball Over
However, controversy surrounding Guyana's management of the ball started in the first innings itself. T&T were awarded five penalty runs. While there is no official word so far on the reason behind the penalty, it is being reported that it might have to do with ball tampering.
In the 19th over of the first innings, the on-field umpires took the ball from Paul and converged to have a discussion before asking for the fourth umpire to come in with a new set. T&T captain Joshua da Silva, who was batting at that time, then chose one from the bag after which the on-field umpire signalled for five penalty runs to be awarded.
With the bat, Guyana put up a massive total of 463 in response. Paul was the star once again, top-scoring with 93 from No.7. Opener Raymond Perez also played a solid hand, making 82.
Facing a potential innings defeat, T&T started well in the second innings, finishing the third day on 101-2, still trailing by 122. Five of those 101 runs, however, were again in the form of penalties. The umpires seemed to be in a lengthy discussion with the Guyana fielders during the last drinks break of the day that went on as play resumed.
A Trinidad and Tobago Newsday report quoted a T&T team official as saying "Firstly, it is very disappointing. They did it in the first innings and they got reprimanded five penalty points (runs). The second innings the same thing happened."
The report also goes on to quote the official asking for strict sanctions. "It is very disappointing that we have to reach this stage. They are on top of the game. We don't know if that was one of the factors that made them on top in the first innings and now again in the second innings where they on top of the game. We are trying to fight to win a title and we have to put up with this.
"There should be bigger sanctions when you get caught with this. We don't know what is going to be the outcome, but I think CWI should get involved and there should be sanctions for the players that get involved and for the entire team."
Cricket West Indies have not made an official comment on this matter so far.
