Georgetown, Guyana: In a dazzling display of power-hitting and bowling prowess, round two of the Demerara Cricket Board/Sawh Voltcom Construction Inc./Precision Service Center Inc. Inter-Association Senior T20 Blast proved to be a spectacle for cricket enthusiasts.
The scorching heat at the Lusignan Sports Club ground, East Coast Demerara, set the stage for remarkable performances from former West Indies Under 19 player Raymond Perez, ex-national opener Shemroy Barrington, and Everest fast bowler Ariel Tilku.
In the first encounter, Georgetown Panthers clashed with Upper Demerara Scorpions, with the Panthers emerging victorious by 39 runs.
Perez and Barrington stole the show with a blazing opening partnership of 110 runs in just 12 overs.
Perez’s explosive 63 and Barrington’s gritty 53 provided the foundation for their team’s imposing total.
However, the game took a dramatic turn when Tilku unleashed havoc on the Scorpions’ batting lineup, securing an impressive 4 for 10.
Only former West Indies all-rounder Chris Barnwell offered resistance with a valiant 21.
Nickosie Barker provided valuable support with figures of 3 for 20, ensuring the Scorpions fell short of the target.
In their pursuit, the Scorpions started strongly with Joshua Wade’s aggressive 42 off 22 balls.
Yet, the Panthers’ bowlers, led by Renaldo Ali-Mohamed (3 for 33) and Devon Lord (3 for 21), orchestrated a compelling comeback.
Despite efforts from Gabriel McDonald and Judell McAllister, the Scorpions succumbed to the Panthers’ bowling attack.
In the second clash, East Coast Canje Pheasants faced West Demerara Jaguars in a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire.
Batting first, the Canje Pheasants posted a competitive total of 139 for 8, with contributions from Nicholas Shiopersaud (36), Karamchan Persaud (23), and former West Indies opener Rajendra Chandrika (21).
The Jaguars’ bowlers, including Aryan Persaud, skipper Akshaya Persaud, Nityanand Mathura, and Nkosi Major, each claimed two wickets.
Chasing 140 for victory, the Jaguars encountered a seesaw battle before reaching the target with four wickets in hand and three balls to spare.
Sheldon Alexander played a pivotal innings of 40 not out, supported by Richie Loaknauth, Narendra Persaud, and Akshaya Persaud.
The Canje Pheasants’ bowlers, led by Nigel Deodat (3 for 22) and Khan (2 for 33), fought valiantly but fell short of defending their total.
The tournament, a revival after more than a decade, is sponsored by Sawh Voltcom Construction Inc., an experienced entity in the USA now making a significant impact in Guyana’s construction landscape.
Precision Service Center Inc., located on the East Coast of Demerara, also supports the event, offering modern technology in auto repairs and comprehensive services.
As the action continues, cricket fans can look forward to more excitement in rounds 3 and 4, scheduled for January 6 and 7, 2024.
The DCB/SVC T20 Blast promises to be a celebration of talent and competition, showcasing the best of Demerara’s cricketing prowess.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
