Watched on by parents and well-wishers on Thursday, the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Under-15 team and the touring Excel Sporting Academy of Trinidad played to an exciting last-ball finish in a friendly 30-over contest at ‘Bourda.’
Batting first, GCC posted 93 all out from 26 overs, and Excel Sporting Academy responded with 94-4, scoring two off the final delivery to win the game.
After the early loss of Shahid Ramzan off the third delivery of the match, GCC recovered well to reach 41-1, via a partnership between skipper and national youth player Trilok Nanan and opener Shane Shivbarran.
However, Excel Sporting Academy captain Isa Ramkissoon, bowling brisk medium-pace, rocked the middle-order with four wickets as GCC stumbled to 47-5.
It took a fighting knock from the burly Ravindra Singh to rally the lower-order and give GCC a target for the bowlers to defend. Singh scored 25, while fellow right-hander Nanan made 22, striking the lone boundary of the innings. Extras were a healthy 29.
Ramkissoon returned impressive figures of 4-12 off four impactful overs, while Nathan Ramdial and Bradley Jaimungalsingh had 2-5 and 2-6 respectively.
Top performers! From left: Ravindra Singh, Isa Ramkissoon and Nathaniel Sukhnandan (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/August 1, 2024)
Opener Lucas O’Rosco then led the run-chase with a match-high 35 (1×4), Arnaldo Premchand made 11 not out and Ramkissoon, who struck the winning runs, ended on 10*. Extras were 20.
Bowling for GCC, the much-improved left-arm spinner Nathaniel Sukhnandan produced a miserly spell, taking 1-10 off six overs, two of which were maidens.
Leg-spinner Nanan crowned a fine all-round performance with 2-16 off six, while national Under-15 off-spinner Ravaldo Pereira claimed 1-14 off six.
Ramkissoon was named Player-of-the-Match and copped the Best Bowler award, while Singh and Sukhnandan were adjudged Best Batsman and Best Bowler respectively for GCC.
At the post-match presentation, GCC President Jonathan Yearwood expressed gratitude to the touring side for choosing GCC as one of its opponents. He lauded the players for their display of skills, and wished them well as they pursue personal growth and development in the game.
GCC Coach Peter Persaud commended the players for their grit and determination during the game, as he noted the abundance of talent that was on display.
Representatives of Excel Sporting Academy, including skipper Ramkissoon, were elated to have the opportunity to play at and experience the former Test and ODI venue.
They lauded the management of the club for the excellent hospitality and extended an invitation to GCC to travel to the twin-island republic for a return tour.
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