West Demerara Masters wrote their names in the history books after defeating Jai Hind Jaguars by eight wickets in the first match under lights at the renovated La Bonne Intention Cricket Ground.
Following the opening ceremony on Wednesday night, West Demerara won the toss and inserted Jaguars as the contest was reduced to a 10-over affair due to a late start.
Jaguars managed 54 for three from their allotted overs but that was not enough as the West side unit raced to 58 for two, leaving three overs to spare.
Playing under the blinding lights proved difficult for fielding as six catches were spilled. Opener, Imran Hussain top scored for Jaguars with 39 not out. His innings was decorated with three boundaries. Hussain should have been back under the newly constructed pavilion on four occasions throughout his innings.
The Berbician was put down on six in the second over at mid off and once again on 14 in spite of a diving attempt from Elroy Fernandes. Hussain was also dropped on 15 in the fourth over, which could have given Boodram Sugrim his third wicket of the over. Sugrim enticed a wild chip down the ground from Subramine Mangali, who thought he could ride his luck after being dropped twice but was bowled and two balls later removed Kamraj Sumir to end with two for 14.
Zahir Moakan (08) added 29 for the third wicket alongside Hussain but was bowled by Sudesh Persaud (1-11) in the penultimate over.
The chase was easily run down as Fernandes, despite his burly stature ran three doubles in a 12-run first over to set the tempo. Fernandes belted two fours and one six before a mistimed hit gave a simple return catch to Satesh Jaikaran (1-11). Seenarine Mathura and Chabiraj Ramcharran both made nine while Prahalad Singh ended proceeds with a four through mid wicket.
