By Delvon Mc Ewan
Half centuries from West Indies player Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Rajendrika Chandrika for Leon Johnson’s XI left Vishaul Singh’s XI with a fourth innings target of 334 to complete a come-from-behind victory heading into the final day of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) practice match at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), ground, Bourda.
When play ended yesterday, Singh’s XI were 29 without loss after Chanderpaul and Chandrika scored 64 and 55 respectively to help Johnson’s XI post 287-8 declared in their second innings.
Chandrika, who resumed the day on 53, added just two runs to his overnight score before he was caught off a Steven Jacob’s delivery. At that point 12 runs were added to his team’s overnight sore of 73. Narsingh Deonarine, Chandrika’s overnight partner then added 40 runs for the fifth wicket with Chanderpaul Hemraj before the former was removed by leg spinner Amir Khan for 36.
Hemraj (25) was removed by Royston Crandon as Johnson’s XI lost another wicket before the first session concluded. Resuming on 137-5 after the lunch break, Chanderpaul teamed up with Christopher Barnwell (19) to add 43 runs and Johnathan Foo (20) in a partnership worth 58 runs, during the second session.
Chanderpaul batted fluently during that period as he led the charge to the bowlers. He cleared the boundaries thrice and reached the ropes on five occasions on his way to his milestone. His effort helped rebuild his team’s innings after they slipped to 137-5 at lunch.
By the tea interval, Johnson’s XI had added 101 for the loss of just one wicket in the second session. At the break Chanderpaul was on 55 and Foo 19. In the first over after the resumption Foo was caught by Jacobs at first slip off Khan’s bowling.
Foo made way for Anthony Bramble, who soon upped the tempo and had reached 38 when the declaration came. Chanderpaul, who faced 121 balls was the last wicket to fall for his team after he was given out leg before wicket to Anthony Adams.
Jacobs led Singh’s XI bowling with 3-56 while Khan who bowled with lots of flight ended with 2-62.
Surujpaul Kandasammy (14) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (13) survived a hostile spell from Keon Joseph to take their team to 29-0 at the close of play. They are still 305 runs adrift from completing victory with all their wickets in hand.
Play will continue from 9:30a.m today.
