With the Coronavirus pandemic putting a halt to cricket tournaments nationwide, Spice XI strolled to a comfortable six-wicket win over Belle Vue Sports Club in a practice match on Sunday at Belle Vue Community Center, West Demerara.
The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first where they posted 143 for six in their allotted overs. Spice XI raced to 145 for four with 25 balls to spare.
The chase was piloted by Spice captain, Richie Looknauth who made 52 not out, decorated with five fours and three sixes. The 20-year-old added an unbroken 59-run partnership with former national under-17 all-rounder, Andre Seepersaud who made 30 not out, featuring three sixes and two fours.
The duo was placed in a comfortable position with their openers putting on a 51-run stand. Essequibo franchise player, Ameer Singh, smacked two sixes on his way to 26 while his partner, Joshua Ferrell made 23, laced with three fours and a six before both batsmen fell off consecutive deliveries.
Earlier, Belle Vue’s innings centered around Nicholas Rajpat who top-scored with 39 which was highlighted by five fours and one six. He added 76 for the third wicket alongside Devendra Persaud who made 21, striking two sixes and one four. Their effort was complemented by Imran Khan who stroked three sixes on his way to an eight-ball 21.
Loonauth and Seepersaud each took two wickets for 23 and 34 runs respectively.
Later in the day the two sides matched up in a 10-over affair with Spice XI coming out with a five-run win.
Spice XI posted 120 for six as Seepersaud top scored with 41, supported by Singh, who made 26. Belle Vue responded with 115 for seven when the overs expired. Devon Harris made 37 and Ryan Seecharan made 20.
