In a nail-biting opening round of the Demerara Under-19 Inter-Association 50-over tournament, East Bank held its nerve to beat East Coast by five runs at Enmore Community Centre ground yesterday.
Under blistering sunshine, East Bank won the toss and opted to take first strike on a well-prepared pitch suitable for batting. East Bank went on to post 161 for eight from their allotted overs and then contained East Coast to 156 all out from their full quota.
The East Bank side was off to a decent start from seasoned campaigners in former West Indies Under-16 captain, Sachin Singh and national youth wicketkeeper, Yeudistir Persaud, who added 56 runs for the opening partnership. Singh was off to a furious start with three boundaries off of Trevon Charles in the first over, including a remarkable cover drive to get off the mark. The left-hander was given a life when he was put down at mid-on when on 15 but was bowled by Rudranauth Kissoon for 27 from 43 balls.
Persaud, however, showcased his temperament and went on to top score with 44 from 159 balls. His innings featured three boundaries and he added 63 runs for the second-wicket alongside Canada-based Matthew Nandu.
Nandu was patient when he first came to the crease but shifted gear after the 25th over. He stroked four boundaries on his way to 40 from 59 balls before being stumped off left-arm spinner, Chandrapaul Ramraj.
Off-spinner, Chatram Balgobin then got to work on the middle order once the set batsmen were back in the shed to end with four for 17 from five overs. He was supported by Fairfield pacer, Charles (2-37) as well as Kissoon and Ramraj who ended with one for 25 each.
In reply, East Coast’s top order looked to go about business with ease as they saw the pacers off. However, it was a different game once the spinners got into operation.
Off-spinner, Krsna Singh removed Anthony Khan for a painstaking 13 while leggie, Niran Bissu (2-32) removed Alexander Persaud who was looking dangerous for 20.
Skipper, Andrew Samaroo got himself into a good position and kept his side in the chase with 26 before being trapped leg before wicket to Zachary Jodah. Samaroo stroked one four and two sixes, one of which was elegantly punched over the covers off of Singh.
Kissoon (23) returned to put on a decent partnership with Romel Datterdeen (23) but Nandu came back with ball in hand to dismantle the middle order and end with three for 19.
Mavindra Dindyal held his nerve in the final over that required 13 to end with three for 13 while Charles was left stranded on 12 not out.
East Coast will look to rebound against Georgetown at Enmore while East Bank will look to continue winning ways when they face West Demerara at Everest tomorrow.
