TT beat Guyana despite Persaud, Sinclair heroics

Joshua Persaud’s 71 lasted 134 minutes pix saved as persaud9
Joshua Persaud’s 71 lasted 134 minutes pix saved as persaud9

Defending Cricket West Indies Regional Under-19 three-day champions Guyana, were humbled in the second round, losing by nine wickets in two days to Trinidad and Tobago (TT) despite a half century from Joshua Persaud and a five-wicket haul from Kevin Sinclair in a low-scoring affair at Sion Hill Playing Field yesterday.

 Guyana, having been bowled out for 104 in their first innings snatched a narrow two-run lead from TT as they were dismissed for 102 in their first innings after resuming on 58-4. Guyana in their second innings were bundled out for 137 while TT scored at over four runs and over to reach 141-1 and win the contest.

 With Sinclair snaring three wickets in a late fight back, the off spinner along with left arm orthodox, Ashmead Nedd, did not leave the TT boys to settle.

Kevin Sinclair now has 12 wickets with an economy rate of just two pix saved as sinclair9

Nedd took 3-34 from 25 overs and Sinclair 5-42 in 19 overs while Rivaldo Ramlogan and Avinash Mahabirsingh scored 14 each.

 Heading into the second innings with a two run lead, Guyana were kept in check by Justyn Gangoo who whipped up a five wicket haul of his own on a wicket that favoured the spinners.

Alex Algoo, Sachin Singh and Kevlon Anderson only managed 18 runs between themselves before Persaud was joined by his captain Bhaskar Yadram to put on 58 when their side were in a spot of bother at 28-3.

The elegant right handed skipper caressed four boundaries before Navin Bidaisee had him edging to the wicketkeeper for 36. Sinclair added just two to the score while his cousin, Junior Sinclair departed two balls apart from each other.

Meanwhile, with wickets tumbling at one end, Persaud continued the fight, bringing up his half century in 80 balls.

Persaud found a stable partner in Javid Karim who spent 27 balls at the crease for his 12 runs while Nedd soaked up 13 deliveries.

Persaud stroked seven fours and one six in his innings of 71 before nicking to the ‘keeper and handing Gangoo his fifth wicket. Gangoo finished with 5-27 while Nathaniel McDavid and Bidaisee picked up 3-35 and 2-40 respectively.

Chasing 141 for victory, TT Sinclair removed Bidaisee early in the chase but wicketkeeper Leonardo Julien and opener Cephas Cooper stole the match out of Guyana’s grasp.

The pair shared a 119-run partnership, the highest stand in the tournament to date that crippled the bowling attack.

Cooper smashed five boundaries in his unbeaten 41 but Julien let loose, blasting eight sixes and four fours in his innings of 87 that came from just 79 balls.