Albion Masters easily conquered Floodlights by seven wickets in the first of two friendly T20 matches at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground (DCC) on Friday.
With good weather and a packed DCC pavilion, good quality cricket was the only thing on the minds of the players and fans duly got what they expected, high quality action in the fund-raiser for the Bush Lot Mandir.
Floodlights won the toss and opted to bat and the opening pair of Ramoo Malone and Ricky Deonarain added 37 runs before Malone departed for a quick-fire 20. Notwithstanding the good start Floodlights had, Albion clawed their way back into the match although Deonarain found a partner with Aaron Beharry with whom he posted a 33-run partnership before Beharry departed for seven. Deonarain soon followed for a valiant 39. Wickets continued to tumble as Hubern Evans and Powan Baldeo continued to strangle the batsmen with some good bowling, grabbing three quick wickets. However, Anil Beharry slammed four sixes and two fours on his way to a 15-ball 38 allowing the innings to close on 130 for six from their allotted overs. Evans returned figures of 3-28.
In reply, Albion were immediately sent on the back foot with Subramani Mangali departing without a run on the board.
However Khemraj Sumair and Baldeo added 63 runs for the second wicket before Sumair was brilliantly bowled by Dharam Persaud for 31 while Baldeo went for 38. However, a fast 35 from Imran Hussain made light work of the target as Albion won with some 15 balls to spare.
At the presentation, captain of Albion, Rajin Moonsammy thanked Floodlights Masters for the invitation and promised to host the next encounter. Speaking on behalf of the host, Deonarain congratulated the winners and expressed gratitude to them for travelling all the way from Berbice. He also said that his team is looking forward for the return match.
