Bramble blitz helps Guyana secure Cheddi Jagan T20 title
National wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble’s blazing knock helped the Guyana All-Stars seize the Cheddi Jagan T20 Centenary Cup, after romping to a four- wicket win over the Trinbago Titans last Saturday night.
In a low-scoring affair played under lights at the Albion Sports Complex Ground in Berbice, the Leon Johnson-led All-stars easily defended their turf from the Titans, paying ideal homage in the observance of the 100th birth anniversary of the late President of Guyana, Dr Cheddi Jagan.
Guyana All-Stars Captain Leon Johnson accepts the winning trophy from People’s Progressive Party executive member Zulfikar Mustapha following their win over the Trinbago Titans on Saturday night at Albion
The Titans of Trinidad were led by West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons, with tons of other talented players from the twin-island republic coming out to show their respect for the late Dr Jagan while putting on a show for the Berbice fans.
Led by a berserk 60 from left-hander Nicholas Pooran, who smashed five sixes, the Titans, who were at one point tottering at 39-7 halfway through their innings, managed to end on a respectable total of 118.
After not managing the lightning start they would have wanted, the Titans were forced to play a less attacking form of cricket, which saw them struggle to reach 30 within the power-play. Some tight bowling from the All-Stars ensured that the visitors would have to work hard for their runs.
However, the pair of Pooran and Mark Deyal launched a counterattack for the Titans, adding 61 runs as the former West Indies U-19 player Pooran, flexed his muscles as he spanked a handful of sixes, some of which went out of the venue to end his innings unbeaten.
The bowling for the All-Stars was led by two Ancient County men – Guyana Jaguars left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who starred with 3-29 and hard-hitting fast-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who claimed 2-20.
Despite the fireworks earlier, Pooran’s knock ended up being in vain as the right-handed Bramble breezed to 42 from 27 when Guyana batted, sharing a 50 -run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford.
After the wicket-keeper narrowly missed out on a rapid 50, Johnson then capitalised on the blistering start as he saw his team over the line with 20 as they finished on 119-6. Bramble, in the end, was named the Man of the Match for completing three catches with two stumpings and his top score.
