Akshaya Persaud and Richie Looknauth shared in a century stand that was the backbone of the Cornelia Ida (CI) Cricket Club’s 64-run win over Meten-Meer-Zorg A (MMZA) on Sunday in the final preliminary match of the West Demerara Cricket Board President’s Cup 50 over tournament.
Playing at the Joe Vieira Park, CI won the toss and elected to take first strike. CI posted 156 in 23.2 overs before they were bowled out while MMZA were skittled for 92 in 22.5 overs.
Persaud, who captains CI said the contest was a nice set up but noted the vast difference in the wicket with the first innings having a bit of moisture and the second innings seeing the wicket becoming flat and favouring the spinners..
With two quick wickets, MMZA were off to a positive start, but Guyana Jaguars’ Persaud and his West Demerara Franchise partner, Looknauth shared a partnership of 110 for the third wicket.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors all rounder hammered six fours and five massive sixes, using his feet well to the spinners with effortless timing on his way to a blistering 81 before holding out to long on off the bowling of off spinner, Kevin Coleman.
Looknauth, a former Guyana Under-19 player was a spectator for much of the partnership but also worked his way to 33 consisting of three fours and one six.
After the pair’s stand was broken, the other CI batsmen failed to score much as Coleman accounted for 6-17 from 8.2 overs. with Levi Miggins supporting with 4-23 from seven overs. In reply, Coleman and Miggins returned to do the bulk of the scoring with the bat as the former top scored with 33, inclusive of a pair of fours and three sixes and the latter contributing 18.
Looknauth with his offspin was spot on, taking 5-46 while support coming from Harinarine Bissondyal who finished with 3-14 from 3.5 overs.
Persaud also chipped in with 2-11 including the wicket of Avinash Suhkoo with the ball pitching outside leg stump and rocketing back into middle stump.
CI finished Zone D in second and advanced to the quarter final where they will play Rising Stars while Independence B will face Zeeburg who topped Zone D.
