TAKING a well-earned break from the ‘Rising Stars’ who are currently undergoing COVID-sensitive virtually coordinated training across the region, as part of the preparation system that has been put in place by West Indies Under-19 head coach Floyd Reifer, Matthew Nandu starred with both and ball as cricket finally got underway in Ontario, Canada last weekend.
Picking up from where he left off last year, after a brilliant all-round season in both the Scarborough Cricket Association and the Brampton Etobicoke District League (BEDCL), among others, Nandu stroked a fine 79 on Saturday while representing Tranzac Cricket Club against Mississauga Ramblers in the Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) 50-over tournament.
Nandu, who is vying for a place in the West Indies Under-19 squad for next year’s World Cup to be staged in the Caribbean, returned the following day to grab four for 19 as his team Kaieteur International B made light work of Palace Panthers in the SCA First Division tournament, played at Ashtonbee number one ground, Scarborough.

Needing to 142 for victory, after restricting Ramblers to a modest 141 for nine at King City, Tranzac cruised to the required total in 33 overs with Nandu stroking six fours in his 79 off 105 balls. The elegant left-handed dominated a 70-run opening partnership with Aaron Singh whose contribution was 10. Ramblers struggled throughout their innings as Garvet Garth (three for 20) and Jonathan Michael (three for 25) kept a tight rein on proceedings. Despite going wicket-less, Nandu’s 10 overs cost a miserly 21 runs.
On Sunday, Palace Panthers were skittled out for 110 in 34.5 overs with Nandu being the chief wrecker with four for 19 with his off-spin while there were two wickets each for Trevor Jerrick, Arjuna Sukhu and Jonathan Singh.

Kaieteur reached the required target in 21 overs with Ravindra Nauth unbeaten on 29 (four fours) while his brother, opener Navin Nauth, struck two fours in 27. Nandu, who looked well set, fell for 23 which contained three fours and a six.
Despite playing only four matches in the SCA 2020 First Division, Nandu, the son of former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 leg-spinner Arjune Nandu, finished the season with the most runs, his 318 being 43 more than his nearest rival who played eight games.
According to reports, Nandu is scheduled to return to Guyana later this month to continue his quest for a place in the regional Under-19 squad for the 2022 World Cup which is being hosted by the Cricket West Indies (CWI). (Frederick Halley)