Barnwell’s XI defeat Singh’s XI by two wickets in first ODI practice match

 

An all-round performance by the Chris Barnwell led XI was enough to overcome the defiant Vishaul Singh XI by two wickets in the first of two one day practice matches played at the Everest Cricket Ground yesterday.

The locals have shifted to the ODI over format in preparation for next month’s Regional Super 50 tournament and Barnwell’s XI produced a fine spell of bowling which helped restrict the opposition to 171-9 in 50 overs.

Pacer Ronsford Beaton (2-17), Veerasammy Permaul (2-18), Barnwell (2-37) and Royston Crandon (2-42), were instrumental in stifling the batters who, apart from Kevon Boodie (28), Shimron Hetmyer (27), Robin Bacchus (27) and the skipper who top scored with 36 failed to go to sizeable scores.

In reply, Rajendra Chandrika led the way with 44 which featured six fours as he set the tone for his team’s chase while Johnathan Foo scored 37 not out to take their side to 172 for 8 in 48.2 overs. Leg-break bowler Devendra Bishoo was masterful during his spells, ending with figures of 4-28 in a losing cause.

Batting first, Singh’s XI was restricted to their below par score after they lost the top four batsmen, Kandasammy Surujnarine (7), Boodie, Hetmyer and Raymon Reifer (19)for 79 runs. The middle/lower order, led by the skipper, offered some resistance against the opposition bowlers.

All-rounder Steven Jacobs batted defiantly for 18 useful runs which steadied the lower order before Beaton and Barnwell accounted for the wickets of Ricardo Adams (8) and Bishoo (6) leaving Chandarpaul Hemraj and Gudakesh Motie unbeaten on six and one respectively.

Earlier, Trevon Griffith (24) and Chandrika added 70 for the first wicket before Jacobs struck and removed the latter for his top score. Tage Chanderpaul looked solid for his 15 but Motie-Kanhai got the better of the left-hander who was given out LBW.

At 119-4 Barnwell smashed two fours and a six before Bishoo had him bowled comprehensively. The West Indies ‘A’ spinner would then go on to dismiss Royston Crandon (3), Kemo Paul (5) and Permaul (4).

Foo ensured he held his nerve despite the falling of partners around him and, along with Amir Khan, who was unbeaten on four, took their team over the line with a few balls to spare.

The second and final match is set for today at the same venue and it begins a 9:30hrs.