D’Edward beat Blairmont, advance to final

D’EDWARD Cricket Club on Saturday advanced to the final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/Faizal Jafferally MP 20/20 Tournament. After defeating a determined Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club (BCCCC) by 16 runs at the Cotton Tree ground, in the presence of BCB president Hilbert Foster, the lone semi-final was played under very strict COVID-19 regulations. D’Edward CC batted first after winning the toss and soon found themselves in trouble when Deonauth Persaud was bowled for nought by Javed Karim then the ultra aggressive Altaf Khan was caught off left-arm spinner Nigel Deodat for 0 to leave D’Edwards reeling at 5 for 2 in the second over. It soon became 12 for 3 when Deo Persaud trapped Devindra Lalsa lbw for 7. The veteran duo of Heralall Bridgelall and skipper Jaipaul Heralall joined forces at 68 for 5 in the 14th over and added 52 in four overs to rescue their team. Bridgelall ended on 74 not out (7×4, 2×6) and received support from Heralall 15 and Kevon Jawahir 21 as D’Edward ended on 141 for 6 from their allotted 20 overs. National Youth players Nigel Deodat, 2 for 22, and Javed Karim, 4 for 30, bowled well for Blairmont. In reply, the youthful Blairmont team were restricted to 125 for 7 when their 20 overs expired. Deodat returned with the bat to score a delightful 54 which included six boundaries and two sixes. Karim also completed a fine all-round performance with 41 (2×6, 3×4). Veteran medium pacer Keith Fraser bowled well to take 2 for 28 from 4 overs while Bridgelall took 2 for 3.