Off-spinner Matthew Nandu yesterday produced a stellar bowling performance to spin the national Under-17 select side to a 42-run win over Essequibo in the second round of the Hand-in-Hand under – 19 Inter-County one-day tournament at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground.
Nandu nabbed 5-20 from 10 overs to spearhead Essequibo’s demise for 96 in 30.5 overs as they hunted 138 for victory via the revised Duckworth and Lewis method.
It was a disappointing batting effort by the seniors where Jeremiah Scott (33) and skipper Kevin Christian (23) worked their way to starts but failed to kick on as left-arm spinner Chanderpaul Ramraj (2-16) supported Nandu’s efforts.
Earlier, the Under-17s after winning the toss and electing to bat, were limited to 135-9 from their allotted 47 overs.
They were well placed at 77-2 but folded in the middle periods and lost wickets at regular intervals which stymied their progress.
However, Andre Seepersaud who came in number five, eased two fours and a maximum in his unbeaten knock of 38 which was the top score of the innings while the talented Mavendra Dindyal (32) and opener Nandu (18) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.
Off-spinner Amit Persaud, who has been amongst the wickets this season, created discomfort for the top order and collected figures of 3-27 from 10 overs while Mahesh Ramnarine (3-19) was equally as impressive with the ball. (Royston Alkins)
