Scorpions prepare to sting Barbados

Jamaica Scorpions coach Junior Bennett has described today's encounter against Barbados Pride as crucial, as both teams hunt a semi-final spot in the WICB/NAGICO Super50 Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago.

The teams, with a win and a loss each, are second and third, respectively, in Group A, behind hosts, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

That's after two of six scheduled rounds of preliminary round matches.

Trinidad have won their two matches, while the group's other contender, ICC Americas, have lost theirs.

"The attention is now to Barbados Pride, which we believe will be a crucial match," said Bennett.

"They have a good team, and like us have won one and lost one. We therefore want to beat them and put ourselves in better position, as the semi-finals remain our aim."

Having lost their opener by 84 runs to Trinidad, the Scorpions, on the back of a maiden one-day century from batsman, Andre McCarthy, and five-wicket haul by leg-spinner, Damien Jacobs, rebounded to crush ICC Americas by 184 runs.

McCarthy slammed 118 in Jamaica's total of 260 for eight, while Jacobs took five for 22.

Bennett, who was all praise for McCarthy, who last month also notched his maiden first-class ton, said he was pleased with the win.

"It was a good win. We bowled well and our cricket was good," he said.

"We need to improve on all facets of our game," he added.

The Scorpions, having made a change from the team, which lost to Trinidad, could again go that route in an effort to get their desired result.

Fast bowler Nicholson Gordon replaced Marquino Mindley, in the Americas game, making batsmen Shacaya Thomas and the uncapped, Jermaine Harrison, yet to play.

Barbados will look to Sulieman Benn, Tino Best, and Dwayne Smith to lead their way.