NATIONAL cricketer Chandrapaul Hemraj said that he is happy with his first knock of the US Open T20 tournament, which bowled off on Tuesday at the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale. Playing for Somerset Cavaliers, the 27-year-old dominated with the bat after producing a stingy spell with the ball.
Samp Army batted first and made 133-4 of their allotted 20 overs on a slow track. Kunal Seegal (61) and Sanjay Stanley (59) led the attack, but Hemraj was able to stem the runs flow as he spun his way to 2-10 from three overs. Needing to score at 6.7 runs per over, Somerset Cavaliers cruised to victory. Hemraj and Kennar Lewis were able to post 94 in 5.5 over before Lewis lost his wicket for an aggressive 61 from 23 balls. The opener struck seven fours and five sixes. With Hemraj steering the ship, Somerset Cavaliers were able to register a win in 9.5 overs.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors cricketer was left not out on 50 from 25 balls. During his innings he struck five sixes and three fours. He later told Chronicle Sport that he felt good in the middle. “It was my first game, it feels good to be back on the field playing some competitive cricket and contributing to the team’s first win.” According to the opener he intends to deliver for his side. “I think the pitch plays much better in the night, I’m hoping to continue in the same form and defend our title.” Somerset Cavaliers are expected to be in action again today. A number of well-known cricketers in the region are competing in the competition, including Jamaicans Chris Gayle and Andre Russell (who Hemraj said will join Somerset) and fellow Guyanese, Sherfane Rutherford and Ronsford Beaton. Rutherford had 33 runs in his opening clash in a losing cause, while Beaton took two wickets in his team’s defeat.