Banks DIH cricketers pulled off a thrilling one-wicket win over Bank of Guyana (BOG) in their 20-overs-a-side tapeball cricket match played at Thirst Park ground on Friday night.
The BOG side recovered from a disastrous start to reach 123 for 9 off their allotted 20 overs thanks to a face-saving batting display from Alister Griffith who top scored with 35 and captain Imran Khan with 23.
Extras also made a significant contribution of 32 runs.
The Beverage giants had won the toss and sent the Central Bankers in to bat on a makeshift pitch after rain earlier in the day had left the Thirst Park pitch wet.
Banks DIH medium fast bowler Jermaine Martins for the second week running was named Man-of-the-Match for his impressive figures of 4 for 14 and for being the main wrecker of the Central Bank side.
Banks DIH replied with 128 for 9 in an enthralling finish that had supporters from both teams including Lawrence Williams, Governor of Bank of Guyana and Banks DIH executives George McDonald and Carlton Joao caught up in the tension of the on-field play.
The home team lost three early wickets but looked like they were coasting to victory at 95 for 4 and even some of the Bank of Guyana supporters were gearing up to leave the venue when Banks DIH suffered three quick dismissals including that of Captain Owen Grannum who went via the run out route.
The complexion of the game suddenly changed as a rejuvenated Bank of Guyana team kept their opponents under pressure. But, with the final pair at the wicket Martins kept his composure to hit the winning run, a six that sent the spectators into a frenzy with four overs to spare.
Dillon Cox top scored for Banks DIH with 32 while Marvin Belle made 28.
Bowling for BOG, Vickram Persaud captured 2 for 33 and Ganesh Sugrim 2 for 31.
It was Banks DIH’s fourth successive victory in as many starts in the Friday evening tapeball series but a win they had to work extremely hard for.
They now face Neal and Massy Group of Companies in the next match billed for Friday evening at Thirst Park starting at 18:00 hours.
