A scintillating century from Tagenarine Chanderpaul powered Chanderpaul’s XI to a 162-run lead over Leon Johnson’s XI on day two of the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ final practice match at the National Stadium, Providence.
Responding to Chanderpaul’s XI first innings total of 119, Johnson’s XI converted their overnight score of 158 for five into 202 all out in 56.5 overs. Chanderpaul’s XI then closed the day on 245 for five after facing 72 overs.
Chanderpaul’s unblemished innings featured 18 fours, particularly favouring the straight drives off of the pacers and cuts through point off of the seamers. He also struck one six which was dispatched over long on off of Junior Sinclair on his way to 139 not out from 229 balls.
After the close of play, Chanderpaul said he was happy to reach triple figures and said that it meant a lot to the team. He explained that the plan was to see off the new ball and dig deep to get a big score for the team to be in a better position with two day still to go.
The left-handed opener’s innings spanned more than five hours and he added 69 for the first wicket with Matthew Nandu as the side lunched on 49 without loss.
Nandu carved four boundaries in making 23 from 48 balls before guiding a simple catch to Akshaya Persaud in the slips off of Sylus Tyndall who pitched a short delivery wide of off-stump for Nandu to just hang his bat and clip the ball.
Chanderpaul also forged a 45-run partnership with Mavindra Dindyal who was looking solid with three boundaries before being bowled by left-arm spinner, Antony Adams.
Kevlon Anderson’s (07) stay at the crease was short after being trapped leg before wicket to Joshua Jones to see Chanderpaul’s XI go to Tea on 143 for three.
With Sachin Singh falling shortly after, Chanderpaul was joined by Kemol Savory, the pair adding 96 runs for the sixth wicket. Savory was the perfect foil to Chanderpaul with his aggressive stroke play and quick running between the wickets.
However, just five overs before the close of play he edged a delivery to Tevin Imlach behind the stumps and departed one short of a well-deserved half century. Savory’s 97-ball vigil featured seven fours and one six. Kevin Sinclair is at the crease with Chanderpaul currently on one not out.
Earlier, Anthony Bramble added 10 to his overnight score of 67 before his Albion clubmate, Gudakesh Motie trapped him leg before wicket to bring an end to his 110-ball innings that was highlighted by 12 fours and one six.
Keemo Paul chipped in with a 24-run cameo from 25 balls that featured four boundaries but he too was trapped leg before wicket to Motie who ended with 3-43.
Today’s third day resumes at 09.30 hours as Guyana Harpy Eagles fine tune their preparations for the Regional Four Day Championships.
