Dear Editor,
The letter ‘Focus on cricket entertainment not past immigration sentiment’ (KN September 27) made some points I feel compelled to give my take on. Let me preface this missive by stating clearly I have no great knowledge of the game (can’t tell short leg from a googly), just an enthusiast. First off GAW was in position four going into its Sunday evening game against BR, even though it had nine points along with the other two qualifying teams (SLK and JT), but as a result of its NRR it was relegated to position four on the points table. GAW came to position two on the points table after its win on Sunday evening, having amassed eleven points. In these shortened format NRR is what it ultimately comes down to.
Of note the two sides met in the first qualifying play off on Tuesday morning, while JT and SLK met in the second qualifying play off on Tuesday evening. The winner of GAW/BR encounter Tuesday morning automatically enters the finals, while the losing team has a second chance, playing the winner of the SLK/JT encounter on Wednesday evening. That is why it is touted as having ‘two bites of the cherry’. I agree with the writer that the game in general between GAW/BR on Sunday evening was lackluster on both sides. For a team standing at the top of the points table and already qualified, their performance did not reflect that position. Nor did the play of GAW. Besides Shakib and losing five wickets in its quest to the target, the other batters were not very impressive.
In the end the win was achieved off a wide, an anti-climax to what promised to be an exciting encounter. But Guyana won that game and the qualifying encounter between the two sides on Tuesday was eagerly watched with great anticipation and expectation. From here on it will be no easy game.
Sincerely,
Shamshun Mohamed