Guyana began the defence of their Cricket West Indies Regional Under-19 50 Over title with a victory over the invitational team, Canada, by six wickets, as West Indies Under-19 wicketkeeper batsman, Joshua Persaud smashed a half century and Kevin Sinclair bagged a four wicket haul.
The North American side won the toss and taking first knock, posted a below par total of 146 all out in 38.3 overs, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, St. Vincent yesterday. Guyana replied with 147-4, in 23.4 overs.
Canada were rocked early on, with skipper, Bhaskar Yadram removing Randhir Sandhu for a duck. However, the Canadians showed some resistance, with Benjamin Calitz and Raqib Shamsudeen adding 31. However, Shamsudeen departed for 24 off 21 balls, inclusive of three fours and one six, after his stumps were uprooted by Essequibo seamer, Joshua Jones.
Calitz added 38 for the third wicket with Kavian Naresh, but it was Sinclair who brought Guyana back into the contest with his off spin. Sinclair removed Calitz for a 29-ball 14, with a sharp return catch, before striking twice in the 27th over. Canada slipped to 117-5, as top scorer Naresh, who smashed five fours and a three sixes on his way to 57 from 55 deliveries, was dismissed.
Left arm orthodox spinner, Ashmead Nedd and Junior Sinclair, also got in the action with a wicket a piece. However, it was Sinclair’s 4-23 which set the tone, as Kevin Umroa later chipped in with 2-24.
In reply, Persaud, promoted up the order alongside Sachin Singh, whom he lost for just eight, shared a 54-run stand with Kevlon Anderson (12). With Anderson back in the shed, Persaud was joined by Yadram who played the aggressor role in the partnership, smacking 20 from 15. The Guyana innings wobbled a bit as Yadram and Alex Algoo fell in quick succession to leave Guyana at 105-4.
Nevertheless, Kevin returned with the bat to contribute 16 not out, as Persaud smacked the bowling to finish unbeaten on 80 from 62 balls, inclusive of 10 fours and one six.
