Guyana Jaguars’ batsman Akshaya Persaud stroked a brilliant half-century and picked up four wickets in his debut match in the Caribbean Fest 40-over tournament in New York but rain forced the match to be abandoned.
The left hander, who hails from Cornelia Ida, turned out for West Coast Warriors and aided them to reach 202 for seven from their 32-over allotment.
In reply, Majestic Cricket Club were in a spot of bother at 56 for six from 9.2 overs before rain ended the contest.
The 24-year-old opened the batting and showed his stroke making abilities by hitting four sixes and four fours in 82 from 79 balls before being bowled by Karamchand Ramnarine (2-32).
Persaud lost his opening partner, former Essequibo youth captain, Ameer Singh for nine and his captain, Rajendra Khan, who failed to score as West Coast Warriors slipped to 15 for two.
He, however, added 45 runs for the fourth wicket with Vaickesh Dhaniram who carved four boundaries on his way to a 28-ball 23 before being bowled by Ramnarine.
Robin Rooplall (2-43) then removed Jonathan Rampersaud (01) and Chandrapaul Persaud (06) but Demerara youth batsman, Ushardeva Balgobin came to the crease and raced to 43 not out.
His 40-ball innings featured two sixes and he was instrumental in adding 76 with Persaud for the seventh wicket.
In the chase, Persaud returned to continue his torment of Majestic, picking up 4-21 in 4.2 overs. Persaud removed Ramnarine who looked settled at the top of the order having smashed five fours and a six in his 17-ball cameo that produced 29 runs.
He also accounted for the wickets of Nicholas Ramrattan who was trapped leg before wicket for five as well as Rooplall and Suraj Seepaul who were both bowled. Avi Dhanpaul was left at the crease on three when the rain came.
