Nathan Persaud’s 33 and Navindra Persaud’s three wicket haul steered Essequibo to a six wicket win over Demerara in the first match of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-County Under-17 50 overs-a-side competition played at the Everest Sports Club ground, yesterday.
The game was forced to be contested in a T20 like format due to interruptions from the weather resulting in both teams having 20 overs each to bat. The start time of 10:00hrs was also pushed back to 14:00hrs because of the rain.
Batting first, Demerara managed to reach a below par total of 92 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Navindra Seeraj’s 20 which included one boundary and one maximum, was reinforced by individual knocks of 13 by Travis Persaud and Chetnarine Pooran.
In Demerara’s innings, they lost wickets at regular intervals which led to their eventual total.
Essequibo skipper Kemo Paul bowled well picking up 2 for 14 and got support from four other bowlers who claimed one wicket each.
In their chase, Essequibo cruised to 94 for 4 in 17.2 overs thanks mainly to Nathan Persaud who struck four fours and a six in his knock of 33 and Travis Drake who supported well with 24.
Navindra Persaud claimed 3 for 10 from four overs bowling for Demerara.
Earlier, Essequibo achieved an opening stand of 33, but lost wickets at intervals. Keano Harry (10) and wicketkeeper Ryan Adams (6 not out) who displayed good glove work earlier in the match, took them across the line in an unfinished fourth wicket stand.
The action continues tomorrow at the same venue when Essequibo will look to make it two from two when the face defending champions Berbice at the same venue.
The match is scheduled to start at 10:00hrs weather permitting.
