PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Out-of-favour Test batsman Daren Ganga missed out on a century but his younger brother, Sherwin, was closing in on one, at close on the second day of the Gerry Gomez North/South Classic on Monday.

Daren, who played the last of his 48 Tests almost two years ago, scored 92 as South reached 304 for six, in pursuit of North's 384 all out.

Sherwin was unbeaten on 86 at stumps and was one of three batsmen with half-centuries as former West Indies Under-19 captain Jason Mohammed also got 52.

The Ganga brothers, both of whom are expected to turn out for Trinidad & Tobago in the four-day regional tournament starting next month, added 86 for the fourth wicket as they entertained with exciting strokeplay.

While the right-handed Daren stroked 11 fours off 163 balls in just over four hours at the crease, his left-handed sibling has so far faced 137 balls in 194 minutes of batting and counted 11 boundaries.

Daren also shared a crucial third-wicket stand of 109 with Mohammed, who slammed eight fours and a six off just 65 balls.

He was needlessly run out at 231 for four when seemingly poised to reach three figures and his dismissal triggered a small collapse as West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin (19) and all-rounder Samuel Badree (0) then fell cheaply.

South had earlier begin their run chase poorly, losing William Perkins for four in the first and Imran Khan for 13 at 36 for two, before Daren Ganga and Mohammed staged a recovery.

Mohammed was eventually stumped by wicketkeeper Anthony Balgobin off off-spinner Sunil Narine at 145 for three.

Fast bowler Richard Kelly was the top bowler for North with two for 59.

Earlier, North failed to add to their overnight score, when Narine was trapped lbw to leg-spinner Imran Khan for 58.

The four-day match is used to help select the T&T squad for the regional tournament.