By Neto Baptiste
Nevis survived the final two sessions on day three, ending on 174 for five as their three-day match against Antigua and Barbuda Master Blasters ended in a draw at the E.T Willett Park in Nevis on Wednesday.
Needing an improbable 442 for victory, Nevis looked in trouble at 126 for five after 22.2 overs in the second innings. But, patience was the name of the game for Carlon Bowen-Tickett and Jaden Carmichael who combined for 44 runs from 133 balls to keep the Antigua and Barbuda bowling attack at bay.
Ross Powell top-scored at the top of the order for Nevis with 48 from 39 balls, while Duan Webbe made 41 from 54 deliveries.
There were two wickets each for Rahkeem Cornwall (2/13) and Glenton Williams (2/38) for Master Blasters.
Earlier, Antigua and Barbuda made 197 for eight in their second innings, declaring at lunch in hope of bowling out the opponents before stumps on the final day. Tyrone Williams Jr top-scored with 61 while Karima Gore followed up his 175 first innings knock with 49 off 76 deliveries. Kimarni Nisbett bagged four wickets for 47 runs from 15 overs.
Master Blasters won the toss and opted to bat on Monday’s opening day and posted 489 for nine declared in 100.3 overs. Gore slammed 21 fours in his dominant knock of 175 before he was out lbw. Kenrick Scott contributed with 84 from 94 deliveries, Kofi James had 74 from 70 and Deran Benta made 57 from 98.
In their first innings, Nevis posted 245 all out with Kieran Powell hitting a top score of 94 from 137 deliveries. Nino Henry picked up three wickets for 25 runs in 12 overs for Master Blasters while there were two wickets each for Kelvin Pitman and James.
