Deonarine, Chanderpaul propel Guyana

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Naringh Deonarine missed out on a century but veteran West Indies left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul had one in his sights, as Guyana dominated the opening day of their sixth round, Regional Four-Day match against Trinidad and Tobago here yesterday.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, left and Narsingh Deonarine during their century stand yesterday. (Windiescricket.com)

The left-hander Deonarine made 87 while Chanderpaul finished the day unbeaten on 79 as Guyana, sent in to bat at Queen’s Park Oval, closed on 260 for six.

At one stage, Guyana were tottering on 87 for four just after lunch but the two seasoned campaigners combined to add 138 for the fifth wicket and frustrate T&T.

Deonarine, who missed out on century against Barbados in the last round, faced 184 balls in four hours and 14 minutes at the crease, striking 10 fours and a six.

Chanderpaul, meanwhile, had so far batted 256 minutes, faced 173 balls and counted six fours and a six.

Deonarine was in sight of his eighth regional hundred when he attempted to clear the Brian Lara Pavilion with left-arm spinner Kavesh Kantasingh but was snared by Adrian Barath who completed a brilliant running catch.

Leon Johnson avoids a quick bouncer from Shannon Gabriel. (Windiescricket.com)

Earlier, Guyana were in trouble early when Leon Johnson fell for six with the score on eight.

Chanderpaul Hemraj (29) and Assad Fudadin (24) then put on 36 for the second wicket before seamer Kevon Cooper removed Fudadin to a catch by Aneil Kanhai at first slip.

Hemraj and Deonarine put on another 36 for the third wicket before Hemraj and Ramnaresh Sarwan (6) fell in quick succession to leave Guyana struggling after lunch.