A magnificent unbeaten century from national player Akshaya Persaud was instrumental in getting Demerara to a commanding total at the end of the opening day’s play against Essequibo in the Guyana Cricket Board’s senior Inter-County four-day tournament yesterday.
After being asked to bat at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda ground, Demerara piled on 394 for five in 89.5 overs. Essequibo did not do themselves any justice in the field, putting down four catches while getting chances but on occasions, off of no balls.
Persaud was the lynchpin of the innings as he showed the selectors why he deserves a place in the Guyana Harpy Eagles side for the two remaining West Indies Championship matches to be played at the National Stadium, Providence over the coming weeks with 110 not out. His 163-ball innings, featured seven fours, two of which were consecutively pulled through square leg off of Neiland Cadogan to reach the triple-figure landmark.
He celebrated with an emotional leap into the air and an exhilarated indication of his name to the audience, of letting his bat do the talking.
He also smashed three sixes during his over four-hour innings while sharing in two century partnerships. The left-hander added 110 for the third wicket with Raymond Perez, who was equally impressive, hitting two sixes and 10 fours during his 146-ball 84.
Persaud then added 103 for the fifth wicket with Ronaldo Alimohammed. Alimohammed, who plays his club cricket at this very venue, raced to 63 from 68 balls and he struck three sixes and six fours along the way.
Shamar Yearwood then joined Persaud but could only manage two runs before he was bowled by Ricardo Adams off the final delivery of the day to see the left-arm spinner returning 4-106 from 26.5 overs.
Earlier, Sachin Singh provided stability at the top of the order with a composed innings of 57 from 86 balls. He struck three sixes and four boundaries while added 60 for the first wicket with the returning Chandrapaul Hemraj who made 33 from 44 balls. He carved three fours and a six before he was caught at first slip by Malcolm Hubbard off of Adams.
Singh then added 70 for the second wicket with Perez while Hubbard picked up 2-83 from 20 overs. The match resumes today at 10.00 hours.
