An exceptional all-round performance from Darshan Persaud led the Gandhi Youth Organization (GYO) to a surprise three-wicket win over defending champions, Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in the latest round of the 2018/19 New Building Society (NBS) second division forty overs tournament at DCC yesterday.
Persaud was instrumental with both bat and ball as he stroked a composed, unbeaten 41 and grabbed 3-18 to see his side past a usually dominant unit.
As the script went, GYO won the toss and invited the host to take first strike on a slow surface.
The defending champions, however, who boasted a star-studded batting line-up, failed to apply themselves and were bundled out for 105 in 19.2 overs.
Only Steven Sankar (40) mustered any resistance as national youth players Sachin Singh (1), Alphius Bookie (5) Joshua Persaud (4) and Ashmead Nedd (12) all failed.
Persaud, bowling his off-spin, was the chief wicket-taker and got support from Leon Lecock (3-25), Trevon France (2-32) and Keishan Singh (2-24).
GYO in response, wobbled a bit after they were reduced to 61 – 5 with Nedd (2-20) and Qumar Torrington (2-20) making early inroads.
Persaud, nonetheless, held his composure and smartly saw his side home – 110 for 7 – by stroking left-arm spinner Keanu Harry over cover for three consecutive sixes to gift his team an exciting low-scoring three-wicket win.
Meanwhile, the contest between the University of Guyana (UG) and GNIC was abandoned without a ball being bowl due to a wet pitch.
