After day one saw both the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Everest Cricket Club being dismissed for low totals, improved performances from both sides yesterday resulted in a close draw, with Everest 64 runs short of victory, while the army unit needed just two wickets for the win.
However, Everest’s tailenders managed to hold on for a draw at the Camp Ayanganna Ground on Vlissengen Road, ending on 193-8 after being set 256 for victory by GDF, who made 242/8 declared in their second inning.
After bowling out Everest for 150 on Saturday to give themselves a slender first-inning lead of 13, yesterday saw the army men get to 242/8 (48 overs) before declaring, giving themselves two sessions in the afternoon to bowl out the visitors.
Garfield Benjamin was on song for GDF, with the bat scoring 75 from 96 deliveries, while Kwesi Mickle, who had a half-century in the first inning, made a decent second-inning contribution of 39, and Raqueel Reddy made 28 to set a decent target for Everest to chase.
Bowling for Everest, Javeed Rasheed again turned in an impressive spell of bowling to snare 5/46 (20 overs), adding to his first inning tally of 4/26. He was well supported by Ushardeva Balgobin, who returned 2/68 (8 overs), while Steven Mangal had 1/46.
In chase of 256 for victory, Everest almost handed the win to GDF, but thanks to Travis Mohamed’s 60, Balgobin’s even 50, and Denesh Mangal’s 32, they held on for a draw, ending on 193/8.
The event, which is sponsored by GISE, Star Rentals, and Trophy Stall, will resume on Saturday.
Summarised scores: GDF 1st Innings 163 All Out (38.2 Overs); Everest 1st Innings 150 All Out (43.1 Overs); GDF 2nd Innings 242/8 declared (48 Overs); and Everest 2nd Innings 193/8.
