A superb innings of 161 from Ershaad Ali failed to propel the University of Guyana (UG) past host, Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) in the latest round of the New Building Society (NBS) Second Division 40 overs tournament, yesterday.
UG, chasing 344 for victory, were dismissed for 292 in the 37th over to hand MYO a 41-run win; their fifth in a row.
The chase, however, was full of fireworks mainly off Ali’s bat. He smashed 20 fours and eight sixes in a virtual one-man show which nearly carried his side over the line. The left-hander was harsh on anything loose as he particularly favoured the long off and mid-wicket region.
UG, early in the chase, were reeling at 35 for four after seamer Saheed Gittins (3-37) dislodged the top order. It was from there on the Ali show began with support only coming from Almando Damon (21) and Keon Roberts (24).
Gittins, who ended as the pick of the bowlers, received support from Shaffik Ishmile who grabbed 3-51.
Earlier, MYO after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted an imposing 343 for seven from their allotted 40 overs with Vinash Rampersaud smashing a crafty unbeaten century – 111 – which included 13 fours and five sixes.
Rampersaud, who was watchful early on before unleashing a barrage of shots, shared in a 151 fourth-wicket stand with former national under–15 batsman, Safraz Issau.
The left-handed Issau was pleasing on the eyes during his brutal innings of 91 before being dismissed by seamer Omesh Danran (1-49), agonizingly short of his century.
His knock included nine fours and six sixes and was particularly brutal on Roberts whom he launched for 21 in one of his overs and 23 in another.
Skipper Khemraj Ramdeen was also in the runs after scoring 57 before he was dismissed off the bowing of his opposite number Dennis Heywood (1-53).
Roberts, who had two early breakthroughs, went the distance and ended with expensive figures of 2-91 while Devon Paul had 2–50.
Meanwhile, over at GNIC, Malteenoes defeated the host by four wickets in a low scoring encounter.
GNIC after being inserted, reached 175 for nine when their overs expired. Only old stalwart David Dick showed any resistance with an innings of 75 as young leg-spinner, Wayne Bollers captured 3-28. He got support from Kellon Carmichael (2-22) and D. Dalrymple (2-36).
Malteenoes, in response, reached 176 for six with Nichosie Barker leading the way with a fine half-century – 51 – to see his side home.
