Led by a crucial half-century from Kevin Ramdeen, Young Warriors Universal DVD found themselves in the finals of the 2013 Berbice Bridge 50-Over Knock-out Competition after defeating Port Mourant Karibee Rice by a nail-biting one wicket in their semi-final contested Sunday.
Played at the Cumberland ground in the ancient county, Port Mourant Karibee Rice won the toss and
took first strike racking up 244 all out in exactly 50 overs. Demerara Cricket Club’s (DCC) pugnacious opening batsman, Andrew Lyght Jr., who represented Port Mourant, slammed a 52 ball 78 with four boundaries and four sixes and was supported by Joshua Ramsammy who chipped in with 43.
After the 111-run partnership between Lyght and Ramsammy was broken, the lower-order trio of Manoj Looknauth (35), Yudendra Harrinarine and Gregory Crandon both scoring 17, took their team to the respectable total. Bowling for Young Warriors, Kassim Khan took 3 for 38, left-arm spinner Karamchand Ramnarine picked up 2 for 41, off-spinner Hubern Evans 2 for 42 and Ramdeen 2 for 50.
Chasing 245 for win and a spot in the final, Young Warriors Universal DVD eventually got over the line scoring 249 for 9 in 48.4 overs thanks to some late fire-works down the order. National Under-19 opener Shimron Hetemyer, smacked a quickfire 42 off 24 balls and was supported by Ramdeen who held the innings together carving four fours and as many sixes in his knock of 66.
Ishwar Singh (42) provided some much needed stability after the loss of some key wickets and with the team needing 17 runs from five overs, Hubern Evans, seven not out and Khan 15 not out, saw them safely through to their target with balls to spare.
Bowling for Port Mourant Karibee Rice, off-spinner Devendra Thakurdeen bagged 2 for 34 from 10 overs while pacer Yudendra Harrinarine took 2 for 45 from his 10. Off-spinner Looknauth picked up 2 for 49.
Young Warriors Universal DVD will clash with the winner of the other semi-final Albion Community Centre on Sunday at the Cumberland ground.
