THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) were crowned champions of the Commander-in-Chief Inter-Service T20 cricket competition after a nail-biting final at the Police Sports Club ground yesterday against rivals, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Police won the toss and decided to bowl first and had the visitors in trouble early at 49-4 after 10 overs, but middle-order batters Jermey Basdeo and David Longe repaired the innings.
Basdeo started off watchfully and included a number of singles and doubles before he began to play big shots. In the end, he was run-out for 48 (3×4, 2×6).

Longe supported with 22 (1×4, 2×6), while Hakeem David finished with 20 (2×6) which propelled GDF to 134-8 in their allotted overs.
Michael Newland and Stephen Harris led Police’s bowling attack with two wickets each.

Needing to score at 6.75 runs per over, the home team took to the middle with Assistant Superintendent Troy Benn and Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Ravindradat Budhram opening the batting.
Budhram fell early, but a third-wicket partnership between Benn and Harris pushed the side forward.

When Benn, who paced his innings well, fell for 48 (6×4, 1×6) off the bowling of Longe, the Lawmen still looked in control. But Longe with his medium pace and off-spinner Paul Castello wrested and took quick wickets, which restricted the lawmen also for 134-8.

Harris, who anchored the innings, was left not out on 49 (1×4, 1×6).
Castello finished with 2-24 from his four overs, while Longe ended with 2-37.

With the scores tied, the two teams battled in a super over.
Benn (five runs) and Harris (two runs) opened and managed to score seven runs off their allotted six balls.

GDF, in response, buckled under pressure and ended up losing two wickets via the run-out route while making just three runs.
The event was well attended and was watched by the President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister Mark Phillips; the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and Police Commissioner (ag), Clifton Hicken.