…Asif Ali slams back-to-back centuries as Regal Legends set to defend title

OPENER Asif Ali followed up an unbeaten 117 in the final preliminary round game versus Essequibo Legends with another century (101) in the semi-final against Trophy Stall to spur defending champions Regal Legends into the final of the Legends Over-50 category of the eighth edition of the Prime Minister’s softball tournament which climaxes today at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Regal Legends will oppose Berbice’s Ja Hind in today’s final after latter defeated last year’s finalists New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Queenstown by eight wickets.

Winning the toss and electing to take first strike in the semi-final, played at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, Regal Legends piled up an imposing 233 for six in their allotted 20 overs despite losing the wicket of Unis Yusuf (off the first delivery of the game and Eon Abel, who made a flambouyant unbeaten 142 versus Essequibo Legends against Essequibo Legends earlier with only 14 on the board.

This set the stage for a fine 116-run partnership between Ali and Jagdesh Persaud, who’s attacking 52 included one four and seven sixes.
The left-handed Ali added a further 87 with Rudolph Baker (32) and by the time the former was dismissed for 101, decorated with four fours and 10 sixes, Regal Legends were in full command.
Mahase Lutchman was Trophy Stall’s best bowler with three for 44.

Trophy Stall were in dire straits at 21 for five before Anil Beharry, with five fours and five sixes in a fine 59 and Anand Persaud (28) brought some respectability to the total as they reached 157 for nine at the expiration of the 20 overs.

David Harper (three for 12), Bobby Parasnauth (two for 22) and Uniss Yusf (two for 35) were the chief destroyers.
Earlier, Abel and Ali completely destroyed the Essequibo Legends attack in a massive stand of 268 as Regal Legends made hay while the sun shone, reaching 286 for one against the hapless bowlers from the Cinderella County.

Abel’s boundary-studded knock contained 10 fours and 12 sixes while Ali struck five fours and 11 sixes.
Essequibo Legends, in reply were bowled out for a meagre 52 in 10.5 overs with Parasnauth bagging five for 22.

In the other semi-final, Khemraj Sumair blasted 64 with five fours and six and V. Moonsammy an unbeaten 43 as Jah Hind made light work of NYSCL.
Set 158 for victory, after restricting NYSCL to 155 for seven, Ja Hind reached the target in 14 overs.

The day also featured some high controversy after the much-vaunted GTA Storm from Canada, who were aiming to win their third successive major tournament, were denied that opportunity when opponents Aash Décor failed to turn up.

GTA Storm played flawless on the opening day, easily defeating Essequibo Legends and Parika Defenders and although gaining the walkover weren’t able to vie for a semi-final spot as Ja Hind topped the group while Regal Legends finished second.

All four finals in the women’s category – Linden Supreme All Stars vs Number 64 Knight Riders, Regal Legends against Ja Hind, Ariel Masters vs Fisherman Masters and defending champions Ariel Knight Riders against Speedboat are set for the Police Sports Club ground today. (Frederick Halley)