Canadian Cricket Academy, Tranzac, defeated an Essequibo Select U17 by seven wickets at the Imam Bacchus Ground, Essequibo on Thursday.
Essequibo won the toss and elected to bat first where they toiled in the blistering sun to post 132 all out in 31.1 of their allotted 40 overs. Tranzac returned to reach their target of 133 in 37 overs, losing three wickets along the way.
The hosts were cautious in their start with National youth player, Sheldon Charles, caressing three boundaries before he was bowled by Keerat Ghuman for 18 while his fellow opener, Uriah Stoll, was bowled by Mohit Prashar for a 48-ball 22.
The 14-year-old leg-spinner worked his way through the middle order to finish with 5-25 from his eight overs and was supported by left-arm-orthodox spinner, Sheel Patel who took 3-4 including the wicket of Jason Holder who was plucked from the air by a superb one handed catch from Mavindra Dindyal diving to his right at short mid-wicket.
Ronaldo Scouten defied the bowling onslaught to remain unbeaten on 24 which included a single boundary.
In reply, Mathew Nandu continued his string of tactical knocks as he saw off the troubling seamers in Charles and Holder while picking the gaps well on his way to 38 before pulling straight to Alex Ali at square leg. Nandu, son of former West Indies U19 player, Arjune Nandu, shared in a 45-run stand with Anthony Khan (4). He then joined forces with Dindyal who top scored with 40 from 61 balls, with six boundaries, predominantly though the covers. Thirty one extras by Essequibo did not aid their cause.
During the closing ceremony, Essequibo Cricket Board member, Otto Christiani, expressed his gratitude to the team for choosing Essequibo as a competitor, noting the value it serves as the squad prepares for the Guyana Cricket Board U17 Inter-County tournament.
Christiani, who is also a junior selector, pointed out the number of talent he saw from
both sides and urged the boys to remain focused and dedicated to their game.
Meanwhile, General Marines sponsored Essequibo with trophies for their upcoming U17 competition, a gesture that is expected to continue and grow as time goes on.
Also, Tranzac presented Aadil Baksh of Imam Bacchus Ground with a token of appreciation with the ground and lunch being supplied free of cost.
Baksh said the love for the sport runs deep and it goes beyond generations as he encouraged the good sportsmanship between the boys to grow and told them they were welcome to come back at any time.
