THOUSANDS of Guyanese turned up at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, to see the first One Day International Cricket Match between West Indies and Pakistan.
The massive crowd was indeed disappointed as Pakistan humbled the West Indies team for a paltry 98 runs to defeat them by 126 runs.

Bravo won the toss and had Pakistan reeling at 23-4 and then five for 47.  However, the responsible Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and the attacking Shahid Afridi put on a century sixth-wicket partnership. A solid half century by Haq and swashbuckling half-century by Afridi enabled the visitors to reach 224 runs. Young Jason Holder bowled superbly to take four wickets for a mere 13 runs from his allotted overs.
Pakistan bowled out the home team for paltry 98 runs as Afridi took seven wickets for a mere 12 runs.
The time is most opportune for us to call on the selectors to include Guyana’s sound and in-form middle order batsman Narsingh Deonarine in the West Indies team.
Guyanese are questioning the non-inclusion of the reliable and competent Shivnarine Chanderpaul. However, it cannot be denied that Deonarine played a magnificent innings against Pakistan at Bourda in the warm-up match.
Deonarine is a utility player. He is a very good spinner, a magnificent fieldsman and a sound and solid middle order batsman.
“I do not support the view of insularity.  However, I am finding it extremely difficult to follow the reasons behind leaving out Deonarine from the present West Indies squad.
“I am calling on our Guyanese people to support the West Indies team, today at our Providence Stadium.  However, I will appreciate Deonarine’s immediate inclusion in the West Indies team.