For many, the thought of West Indies Emerging Players (WIEP) winning the 2019 Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 seemed a mere joke.
In fact, the critics believed that their inclusion in the tournament, was just to gain experience.
For Guyanese all-rounder Kevin Sinclair, however, the young unit proved the detractors wrong as the team stunned the likes of Guyana Jaguars, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Leeward Island Hurricanes whom they defeated by 205 runs in last Sunday’s final to emerge champions.
Sinclair began his career back in 2007, two years after Guyana Jaguars had won their last title in the Regional 50-over tournament.
The 20-year-old resident of Patrick Dam, New Amsterdam, began training under his grandfather, former Berbice cricketer, Carlton Sinclair, who would often round up the neighborhood children to play.
The elder Sinclair next enrolled the seven-year-old with the Police Sports Club where he made the Guyana Under-15 team before transitioning to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club where he continued his run in National colours at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels.
Sinclair finished each year as the leading wicket-taker and capped off his final year at the youth level by winning the Guyana Cricket Board’s Junior-Cricketer-of-the-Year award.
Sinclair continuously worked on his trade to the point where he ended the Super50 with 13 wickets featuring a best of 4-20 which came in the final. The off-spinner also walked away with the best economy rate of the tournament at 2.87, an accomplishment he is proud of.
He has pledged to do his best to remain consistent in that area.
In addition to his exceptional bowling, Sinclair also scored 132 runs in seven innings with a best of 44.
Stabroek Sport caught up with an ecstatic Sinclair upon returning to Guyana on Monday evening where he reflected on the tournament.
He said that heading into the final he prepared mentally by listening to motivational videos from the likes of sporting legends such as Michael Jordan.
Additionally, closer to the final, the team discussed what they wanted to achieve from the game and decided that they would play like they had been playing throughout the tournament.
The former Berbice youth captain said it was a great experience adding that he gained a lot of off-field exposure.
He credited Head Coach, Floyd Reifer for playing an integral role in his performance.
Reifer, who now has won consecutive Super50 titles, commended Sinclair and the bowlers for their efforts, saying “the future is bright for West Indies.”
Sinclair shared a similar opinion.
“This victory says a lot about the future of West Indies Cricket, it is heading in the right direction and we have shown the region that the youngsters are ready for the task and just need the assistance to develop into world class athletes.”
He continued:” I felt overjoyed to accomplish the unthinkable and being just one of two Guyanese (Ashmead Nedd being the other), makes it even more fantastic.”
Sinclair took the last batsman’s wicket in the final and said that he “was just looking to get the ball to spin and pitch it in an area to get a leg before wicket or better yet, bowl the batsman.”
The Cricket Guy Inc., Academy player said that it was never about proving a point after he was not selected for the Guyana Jaguars ahead of the tournament but rather him believing in what he wanted and going out there to achieve it by playing his brand of cricket.
Looking back at the tournament, he indicated that he has learnt a lot about being patient and the importance of team spirit.
Looking forward, the all-rounder said he will continue to work hard to perfect his craft while setting his sights on a spot with defending champions, Guyana Jaguars in the upcoming Regional Professional Cricket League Four-Day competition.
