Demerara begins title defence with 50-run victory over Essequibo

Defending champions Demerara opened their Queensway Security Service National Super50 Tournament 2025 campaign with a convincing 50-run victory over Essequibo on Saturday at the Hampton Court Ground, Essequibo Coast.
Essequibo won the toss and opted to field first, but Demerara’s openers Ushardeva Balgobin and captain Matthew Nandu gave their side a solid start, putting together a 67-run opening partnership.

Balgobin was the aggressor, striking seven fours in his 40 off 51 balls before falling to Keemo Paul, who induced a mistimed pull caught by Ronsford Beaton in the 15th over.
Raymond Perez then joined Nandu and continued the momentum, adding 73 runs for the second wicket. Perez played fluently for his 40 (three fours, one six) before being dismissed by Ricardo Adams, who provided a much-needed breakthrough for Essequibo.

The Essequibo bowlers clawed their way back into the contest, removing Mavindra Dindyal and Jonathan Van Lange in quick succession. The biggest blow came when Thaddeus Lovell dismissed Captain Matthew Nandu, who top-scored with a composed 73 from 102 balls (seven fours), as Demerara’s innings began to lose momentum.
Despite some lower-order resistance, Demerara were eventually bowled out for 229 in 45.2 overs. For Essequibo, Lovell was the standout performer, claiming 4 for 34 from seven overs. Ronsford Beaton impressed with 2 for 29, while Ricardo Adams also chipped in with two wickets.
In reply, Essequibo got off to a flying start thanks to an aggressive Kevon Boodie, who launched an early assault that included 17 runs off Christopher Harry’s over, the fourth of the innings.
However, Ashmead Nedd made the first breakthrough for Demerara, shattering Mark Gonsalves’ stumps for 11 to leave Essequibo 42 for 1. Soon after, Kemol Savoury was dismissed by Richie Looknauth for 14, and Essequibo slipped to 70 for 3 in the 12th over.
The collapse continued when Kanhaiya Ramkarran (12) fell to a sharp diving catch by captain Nandu, reducing Essequibo to 72 for 4. Momentum swung heavily in Demerara’s favour when Jonathan Van Lange produced a superb spell, removing Quetnin Sampson caught behind off the very next delivery and then dismissing Ricardo Adams – also caught behind – for a duck two balls later.
At 72 for 6, Essequibo were in deep trouble. Antony Adams and Keemo Paul offered some resistance, adding 48 valuable runs, before Looknauth returned to break the partnership, dismissing Adams for 25 (41 balls). He then accounted for Paul, who made 30 (32 balls), to further tighten Demerara’s grip on the match.
Despite a fighting effort from Myheim Khan and Thaddeus Lovell, who added 43 for the ninth wicket, Essequibo’s chase ended when Van Lange bowled Lovell for a spirited 24 (36 balls). The final wicket came via a run-out, leaving Myheim Khan unbeaten on 22, as Essequibo were bowled out for 179, handing Demerara a 50-run victory.
Jonathan Van Lange was outstanding with the ball, finishing with 4 for 33, while Richie Looknauth provided excellent support with 3 for 26.
The tournament continues today at the Lusignan Ground, where Berbice will face the GCB Select XI. Play begins at 09:00h.