Anthony Foster, Freelance Reporter

Gayle, Samuels, Sarwan and Chanderpaul - Photos courtesy of Standford 20/20 website

ST MARY'S, Antigua:

Tonight's Stanford 20/20 semi-final showdown between regional power-houses Jamaica and defending champions Guyana has been viewed as the battle of the tournament.

The clash, dubbed the final, features the Christopher Gayle-led Jamaica team which will try to accomplish two things against Ramneresh Sarwan and his Guyana team.

Task ahead

Jamaica will be seeking to overturn last tournament's disappointment when they were beaten by Guyana, and move one step closer to the approximately J$71 million jackpot, while the defending champions will, of course, want to protect their Stanford 20/20 record.

Both teams are aware of the task ahead, especially since the winners will move on to contest the US$1m championship match - which at least guarantees US$500,000, which will go to the second place team.

Jamaica's coach Junior Bennett said his team is ready for the Guyana challenge.

He also said they are not concerned about Guyana, but more about their own game, which he hopes will see the players executing to the best of their ability.

"Guyana is a quality team and they are the defending champions, so we are expecting a very tough encounter," he said. "But based on our preparations, once we play to the best of our ability, I think we will come out on top."

On paper, Jamaica boast the strongest batting team with Gayle, Brenton Parchment, Marlon Samuels, Carlon Baugh Jr, and Xavier Marshall, all of whom have played Tests and ODIs for the West Indies.

Danza Hyatt, Jamaica's leading batsman in the tournament, and Shawn Findlay, are also dangerous with the bat, while West Indies fast bowling duo Jerome Taylor and Daren Powell, who were lacklustre against Nevis, will want to produce on this big occasion. Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller has been economical throughout and another good performance is expected of him if Jamaica are to clear this Guyanese hurdle. Guyanese coach Albert Smith is well aware of the strength of the Jamaica team.

going there to win

"We are up against the most talented team in the tournament," he said while adding, "It's not going to be easy, but we are going there to win.

"We beat them last tournament and they are coming back at us. We are expecting them to come stronger, but we have braced ourselves for that attack and are looking forward to it," he added.

"Guyana is also a talented team, so it might come down to who plays the smarter on the day."

On Guyana's side, Sarwan and Shiv Chanderpaul, along with Sewnarine Chattergoon and Travis Dowlin, Derwin Christian and Esuan Crandon, the man who sent Jamaica packing with a swashbuckling 71 off 36 deliveries last tournament, should lead the Guyanese batting.