THE Guyana Select X1 scored a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the first practice game on Monday night at the Guyana National Stadium.The game is the first of two practice matches in preparation for this weekend’s start of the Hero Caribbean Premier League.
Batting first the Amazon Warriors posted 131-6, with veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul making a solid 48 from 54 balls with four boundaries.
The left-hander shared in two vital partnerships after the Warriors lost openers Lendl Simmons (3) and Trveon Griffith (1) early.
He first added 37 for the third wicket with Australian Brad Hodge, who contributed 16 from 17 balls, included a six and a four.
Chanderpaul and fellow left-hander Assad Fudadin joined forces and together shared 66 for the fourth wicket to take the Amazon Warriors beyond the 100-run mark.
Fudadin remained unbeaten on 37 from 26 balls (3x4s, 1×6), with Shimron Hetmyer the other not-out batsman on ten.
Bowling for the Guyana Select XI, fast bowlers Ronsford Beaton and Paul Wintz grabbed 2-18 and 2-28 respectively, while Raun Johnson had 1-10.
In reply the Guyana Select XI responded with 134-6, winning off the final delivery. Royston Crandon scored the final three runs off the last ball off Keemo Paul after the Guyana Select X1 had required four runs off the final over.
Leon Johnson top-scored with 35, while Robin Bacchus made a stroke-filled 31 from 23 balls (6x4s).
Sunil Narine finished with 2-13 from four overs, while Akshaya Persaud (1-25), Keemo Paul (1-20) and Keon Joseph (1-13) were the other wicket-takers.
The final practice game was played last evening.