Guyana lost their opening encounter of the Regional Under-17 Limited overs tournament by three wickets to the Windward Islands yesterday at the Bon Accord Ground in Tobago.
The national team which is in pursuit of its first title at this level were restricted to 156-9 in 47 overs while the Windwards reached 159-7 in 44 overs to win the game.
Guyana was sent into bat after losing the toss and slipped to 41-5 with only Sherfane Rutherford (27) of the top five batsmen getting to double figures. Captain Travis Persaud top scored with a patient 40 from 103 deliveries. It took a sixth wicket partnership between Brandon Prasad and Persaud to revive Guyana’s innings.
When Prasad was removed at 73-6, Renaldo Ali-Mohamed (33) joined forces with Persaud for another determined partnership which spanned 8.2 overs and 36 runs. Persaud was also involved in a meaningful ninth wicket partnership worth 36 runs with Richie Looknauth. Bowling for the Windwards, Ryan John, Brian Joseph and Alick Anthanaze picked up two wickets each.
In their turn at the crease, Emmanuel Stewart (40) and Ryan John (48 not out) ensured their team reached the victory target. Looknauth was the chief bowler for Guyana with 2-25 from 10 economical overs while Persaud and Kemo Paul took a wicket each.