Guyana, needing a win goes into battle with the Leeward Islands in their fourth round encounter of the KFC one regional competition at the Albion Sports Complex today.
Two losses from three matches puts the home team in a must-win situation.
Leewards, with three losses in the one-day competition will be trying desperately to end their losing streak.
The home team still has a chance to get to the final four play-offs if they win their two remaining games against the Leewards and Barbados.
Skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan is in need of time at the wicket. His score of 40 in the second innings of the Carib Beer match against the Leewards earlier this week at the same venue, was a start, but more is be needed especially with Shivnarine Chanderpaul still unavailable.
He should get ample support from Sewnarine Chattergoon who is looking in good form. Chattergoon’s opening partner Royston Crandon was run out for nought against Jamaica in the last one-day encounter but has gotten good starts in the four-day match against the Leewards and should be looking at a big score in this format of the game that is very suitable for his attacking style.
If Azeemul Hannif is not 100% fit Assad Fudadin could be called upon but either one must be productive for Guyana to make it to the final four.
Narsingh Deonarine has been both effective and consistent with both bat and ball but he also needs a big score to stay among the elite regional batsmen.
Deon Ferrier also needs to get among the runs. His bowling, which was not needed at Alparth in the Jamaica encounter, could be needed here while wicket-keeper Derwin Christian needs to demonstrate consistency.
New ball bowler Esaun Crandon might also be used as Guyana’s not so secret pinch hitting weapon early in the batting line up. He opened the bowling with his brother Royston bowling off-spin in the match against Jamaica.
Mahendra Nagamootoo will again lead the spin attack with young left-arm spinner Verasammy Permaul who has come on strong in his first season at the regional level for support.
For the visitors Sylvester Joseph has been consistent. His 79 was the highest score in the four-day game against Guyana and, along with Codville Rogers, Maxford Pipe, Shane Jeffers, and Steve Liburd, will provide the scoring threat for the visitors.
All-rounders Omari Banks and Tonito Willet were used sparingly as bowlers in the four-day encounter and their contribution with the bat could be vital to their team’s chances.
The Leewards bowling attack is based on steady medium pace.
Led by former West Indies pacer Adam Sanford who bowled really well in the second innings of the Carib Beer match against Guyana, another former West Indies pacer Kerry Jeremy and former West Indies youth pacer Lionel Baker make up a formidable attack in this one-day encounter. Off spinner Chaka Hodge is the main spin threat.
Guyana go into this match a slight favourite but needs to pull off the win to keep their hopes alive.
