–Front runners England suffer first defeat to India
By Frederick Halley
TWO former West Indies batsmen, both originating from the county of Berbice, one from the winning team and the other unfortunately from the losing side, stole the spotlight when the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40 tournament continued at various grounds in Guyana yesterday.
In another masterful display, albeit in a losing cause, Royston Crandon clobbered 137, smacking 13 fours and eight sixes but got little support from his teammates as Canada went down by 105 runs, reaching 263 for nine in response to Canada’s imposing 368 for six at the Jagmohan ground in Essequibo.
Crandon’s knock followed innings of 115 not out against Australia, 76 unbeaten against Colombia and 63 on the opening day versus South Africa.
The win kept West Indies in contention for a semi-final spot after they produced their best batting performance of the tournament to reach 368 for six in their 45 overs.
Opener Sewnarine Chattergoon, who hit 10 fours and four sixes in a top score of 91, shared an opening stand of 156 with Randy Thomas who’s 75 was laced with nine fours and two sixes off 57 balls.
Chattergoon also added a further 74 for the second wicket with Jason Mohamed before falling LBW to Crandon.
With Chattergoon’s dismissal, Mohmed took centre stage with a fine 78, hitting eight fours and three sixes in the process. Imram Khan also provided some sparkle towards the end with a quick undefeated 46 (three fours and three sixes) as West Indies reached the challenging total. Manpreet Khaira (two for 38) and Crandon two for 64.
England vs India at Enmore
India handed England their first defeat at the Enmore Community Centre ground, winning by 26 runs.
Set 276 for victory, after India reached 275 for six in their 45 overs, England were left high and dry on 248 for nine when their overs expired.
Opener James Duffy hit a fine 83 for the losers while Ryan Canning supported with 60 as former India spin bowler, Amith Mishra captured three for 32 and Pawan Anand three for 37.
Earlier, India were indebted to an exquisite 108 (four fours and seven sixes from Anand while Shalabh Shrivastava contributed 75 (six fours, one six). Will Purser took three for 46.
Australia vs Colombia at GCC
Australia’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals were severely boosted with a commanding eight-wicket victory over the hapless Colombians who remained winless after their contest at the GCC ground, Bourda.
Set 108 for victory, after bowling out Colombia for 107 in 33.5 overs, Australia raced to victory in 10 overs with opener Greg Hunt lashing six fours and four sixes in 61 off 33 balls.
Earlier, man-of-the-match, Steven Spoljaric bowled excellently to end with figures of four for 13 as Colombia stuttered once again.
Namibia vs Wales at Anna Regina Stadium
In the battle of the underdogs, Namibia recorded a morale boosting victory over Wales at the Anna Regina Stadium after piling up 319 for eight in 45 overs and bowling out their opponents for 278 to win by 41 runs.
Namibia were led to their total through half-centuries from Nicolaas Buys 78 (eight fours and three sixes), Gerrie Snyman 54 (six fours and four sixes) while opener John Valentin with 46 and Jaco Duvenhage (45) offered support. Sion Morris claimed three for 35 and Gareth Edwards two for 46.
In reply, Wales progressed steadily with half-centuries from Jonhatan Davies, 62 with 10 fours, Bed Edkins 54 (two fours and two sixes) and 46 (two fours and four sixes) from Dan Rowe but the task proved beyond them. Buys returned to claim four for 33 from 7.1 overs.
New Zealand vs Pakistan at Eve Leary
Pakistan defeated New Zealand by five wickets at the Police Sports Club ground, comfortably reaching the target of 274 in 37.2 overs, losing five wickets in the process.
Sheharyar Ghani was unbeaten on 79 (seven fours and two sixes) when victory was achieved while Jawad Mansoor hit 55 (three fours and two sixes)
For New Zealand, half-centuries were recorded by Lincoln. Reed (56) and Greg Johnson (54) as they reached 273 for eight in their 45 overs.
The tournament continues today with Canada taking on Namibia at Joe Jagmohan ground, West Indies versus Wales at Anna Regina Stadium, USA taking on the Rest of the World at GCC and the Rest of the Caribbean meeting Scotland at the Police Sports Club.
