A composed half-century from Akshaya Persaud ensured West Coast Warriors a 59-run win over Phoenix Cricket Club recently in the Deo and Son T20 League.
West Coast Warriors won the toss and opted to bat first, chalking up 151 for two in their allotted 20 overs before limiting Phoenix to 92 for nine by the time their overs expired at Bay Park, United States.
Warriors were off to a blitz, taking 13 runs of the first over by Samuel Mahabir. The national all-rounder faced 64 balls and struck four fours and four sixes during his 85-run innings.
The left-handed Persaud lost his opening partner and countryman, Ameer Singh for five in the fifth over but went on to add 109 for the second wicket alongside Chandrapaul Persaud before he was trapped leg before wicket to Kenly Adams in the final over.
Chandrapaul carried on to finish on a ball-a-run 46 not out, laced with three boundaries.
A solid start in the chase was foiled when Safeek Deonarine (2-13) removed both openers, Daniel Mangru (20) and Brandon Cabose (13). Mark Tyrell resisted but found it difficult to score with wickets tumbling at the other end and eventually was left on 19 not out from 27 balls.
Arif Mohammed and Tejpaul Bishundat were the only other batsmen to reach double figures with 15 and 10 respectively.
Rajin Rahoman was the pick of the bowlers with 3-21 while legspinner, Ushardeva Balgobin had to late strikes to end with 2-13.
