CLAXTON BAY, TRINIDAD: All-rounder Navin Stewart who is a regular foreign player in the United States smashed a brilliant 84 not out in his first competitive match in Claxton Bay Trinidad, West Indies, as he began preparations for the US Open T20 tournament that will take place in December at the Central Broward Regional Park.
The Tobagonian who played for the T&T Red Force in the Champions leagues, as well as the Barbados Tridents and the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, was too much for Woodland Gunners, playing for Export All Stars.
Gunners took the first strike in the General Earth Movers Southern Sports League and scored just 117 all out. Justin Ballack top scored with 40, while Stephan Sahibram made 19. Stewart was brilliant with the ball and snared 4/17.
He then opened the batting and completely destroyed the bowling attack of Gunners. He slammed an unbeaten 84 with 10 sixes and three fours and took them home at 118/2 off just 10 overs.
Speaking after the win, he said: “I have been working hard on my fitness and also recently when things opened up, I started to visit the Kumar Rampat Academy where I got in some work as well.
“It felt nice today, hitting some balls. After such a long lay-off I was really happy to be back on the park and even happier with my performances with bat and ball.”
Stewart has led different teams to the US Open T20 titles for the past two years. On both occasions, he has taken the man of the match award in the finals.
SOUTHERN SPORTS SCORES
At Claxton Bay: Woodland Gunners 117 all out (Justin Ballack 40, Stephan Sahibram 19, Navin Stewart 4/17) vs Export Stars 118/2 (Navin Stewart 84no) – Export Stars won by 8 wkts.
