ICBL Empire humbled CGI Maple by 60 runs with 3.5 overs to spare in a one-sided seventh series contest that put a dent in the defending champions’ ambitions of gaining a place in the quarter-finals of the Sagicor Twenty20 competition.
The “Blues” outplayed their hosts at every turn, racking up a challenging 171 for four after winning the toss before dismissing Maple in 16.1 overs.
Opening batsman Kevin Stoute carried his bat for a composed 81 not out, capitalizing on the excellent batting conditions as Maple captain Pedro Agard employed as many as seven bowlers.
Roston Chase (40) outshone his fellow-right hander who was prepared to adopt the holding role in a quickfire second wicket alliance that produced 59 runs from just 28 balls.
Stoute reached 50 after 42 balls, stroking seven threes and two fours before going to his eventual total from 60 balls adding four more fours.
The home side never fully recovered from a horrid start when they lost the wicket of opener Shane Ramsay by the run out route off the first delivery.
Javon Searles soon removed Agard with the fourth delivery to leave the score six for two wickets and despite brief cameos from the in-form Renaldo Parris (29), Ryad Emrit (21) and Jamar Griffith (15), spinners Ryan Hinds (3-11) and Nikolai Charles (3-13) ensured the visitors their fourth consecutive victory.
