Before the start of this year’s Caribbean Premier League, then Guyana Amazon Warriors skipper Shoaib Malik made a bold pronouncement on what he expected from the home-grown talents of Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford.
He was captivated by the way they approached the game and in his words, “I must mention these two names… they are very talented cricketers; Hetymer and Rutherford. I have very high expectations of them… the way I’ve seen them play in the practice games… I think that they are very confident guys.”
Malik’s expectations have been realized and while he isn’t here, the exciting Guyanese duo is among the standouts in this edition of the tournament. On pure numbers, Hetymer has been the rock an aggressive one at that at the top of the order; having so far amassed 425 runs including a century – 100 against Jamaica.
Rutherford, on the other hand, though his numbers are little less dazzling, has played his role in providing lower-order muscle for the South America-based franchise.
But it was the duo’s last two innings together that ignited interest beyond their individual exploits. They seem to relish each other’s company at the crease which was duly felt by Trinbago Knight Riders when they combined in a brutal 21-ball 62-run partnership to spur Warriors to second on the points table.
Two days later they added another 50-run partnership in the first playoff match against the same opponents, to land Guyana into the final of the 2018 edition of the tournament— a clear indication that they enjoy dealing blows together.
While they are not quite at the combined productive level of Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, for now, both men have credited their friendship off the park for their success on it.
“It’s very good batting with Rutherford because we both know each other well and he is a very good batsman and wonderful hitter,” Hetmyer told Stabroek Sports.
They share a longstanding friendship which dates back to their days of playing for Guyana at the Under – 19 level. Hetmyer, on that accord, indicated that he is delighted to see his teammate and friend prosper. He even mulls the inevitable possibility of sharing a dressing room with Rutherford at the international level.
“[I’m] Very, very happy because I know how hard he works on his game and, well I do believe he can get into the West Indies team, but he just has to keep working hard on his game and fitness.”
Rutherford also shared these sentiments. “Our friendship has come from a long way; since our Under-19 days which helps us out there in the middle in pressure situations and it’s great because we communicate well. He always has something positive to say to keep me going,” the 20 – year-old explained.
“When off the field, we mostly chat about how to improve our game and what we have to do to get better and on the field after every over, he comes to me and says ‘stay in the game just look for a chance,’” Rutherford added.
The duo will have one last opportunity to keep Warrior’s fans jumping and this time for an entire year if they can deliver the elusive CPL title in the final come Sunday.
