Sarwan upbeat as Guyana arrives for T20 battle

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa,  CMC – A confident Guyana arrived here yesterday to start their Champions League Twenty20 campaign, positive about their chances in the glitzy, cash-rich showpiece which bowls off tomorrow.

Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan told reporters it was crucial his side continued to play the same way they did in the Caribbean T20, if they were to be successful in the September 10-26 tournament.

“It’s important that we should do the things we did that helped us to win the Caribbean competition,” the West Indies batsman told reporters.

“We have lots of young, inexperienced players, but they are all very capable to springing surprises on the other teams. We just plan to stick to our game plans and keep it simple.”

Guyana qualified for the CLT20 when they won the Caribbean T20, beating Barbados by one wicket with a ball to spare in a thrilling final staged in Trinidad and Tobago.

Despite entering the tournament as underdogs, Sarwan said he believed his side could spring a surprise just as T&T did last year when they played unbeaten to reach the final before losing to New South Wales.

“Trinidad and Tobago were the runners-up last time, and we hope to go one better,” said Sarwan.
“They did so well last year, when they weren’t expected to, and we beat them in the Caribbean T20, so that gives us lots of confidence.”

Guyana underwent a near month-long preparation for the tournament where they benefitted from the expertise of former West Indies coach Roger Harper.

They capped off their buildup with two warm-up matches against T&T and Sarwan says he believed the intense preparation had definitely helped.

“I think we had a wonderful encampment where the guys put in a lot of work. I know we will ensure our hard work doesn’t go down easily,” he noted.

“We have a lot of people to thank as well, because their input was magnificent over the weeks, so we want to make them proud on this occasion.”

Sarwan will be the mainstay of the Guyana side, with Test players Travis Dowlin, Narsingh Deonarine and Sewnarine Chattergoon expected to provide support.

All eyes, however, will be on teenager Jonathan Foo whose breathtaking, unbeaten 42 in the final won Guyana the CT20 title in July.

“He has a great future ahead of him. I think he could be another Kieron Pollard,” Sarwan contended, noting that the CLT20 was a great showcase for his side’s young players.

“It’s a great opportunity for them and they are not under as much pressure as they would be in a longer match.
“But I think players like Foo and some of the others have a great future in Test and one-day cricket as well.”
Guyana will open their campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Centurion on Sunday.