AN impactful spell of off-spin bowling from Reaz Esau and an all-round performance from Mahendra Dhanpaul propelled Independence Cricket Club to championship honours over the McGill Superstars in the final of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) 50-over President’s Cup competition.

The game, which was played at Joe Vieira Park last Sunday, was reduced to 30 overs per side due to rain. McGill won the toss and decided to field.
Dhanpaul led the attack. He reached the boundary three times, while he also smashed five sixes for a score of 52, batting in the middle.

No. 8 batsman, Javon Hector, with an unbeaten 30 (1×4, 1×6) helped to push the eventual winners to 158-9.
Abdool Razack picked up 4-17 from six overs with his off-spin bowling, while Daniel Basdeo finished with 4-27 (also six overs) with his left-arm seam.

In the middle, McGill had no answers for Esau and they were eventually routed for 55, with only Troy Persaud reaching double figures. He made 18 (2x4s). Esau finished with 6-3, while Dhanpaul took 3-16 with his medium pace.