Demerara youth all-rounder, Ushardeva Balgobin has carted off several accolades during his stint with the New York Tri-State under-21 team in the New York Youth Development League.
Balgobin, who plays for Everest Cricket Club locally, finished as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Batsman.
The opener made his mark in the first match of the season, smashing the highest score of the tournament, a blistering 119 from 52 balls against New York Lions and carried this form throughout his four innings, ending with 189 runs at an average of 63.
His average was also the highest of the league and his 16 sixes was the most amongst batsmen.
Balgobin continued to play a vital role for his team, even in the final match where he smashed two sixes during his unbeaten 20 from just nine balls.
Earlier, he recovered from a 21-run first over to end with 4-30 from four overs and secure his Man-of-the Final award.
The leg-spinner ended with seven wickets behind only Ansar Yasim (10) and Naveer Ramsarran (09).
In an invited comment, Balgobin said that he was just happy to play some cricket owing to the effect of COVID-19 on the sport locally.
The 18-year-old explained that he gained valuable exposure from the competition, and described the players as naturally gifted and hard workers.
“These guys here are so talented and I am glad to have had the opportunity to come here and show my skill and perform well in a highly-competitive tournament like this,” he said.
Balgobin revealed that just before the pandemic started he had embarked on a mission to improve his fitness and despite the virus halting most things; he did not let up and continued to push his body with extensive exercises and a healthy diet.
