A brisk half-century from Sherfane Rutherford at the top of the order and a late cameo from Christopher Barnwell helped Guyana beat the Caribbean All-Star XI by 5 wickets in Sunday’s “Cricket Cares” T20 benefit match played at the Providence National Stadium, Guyana.
Chris Barnwell took a liking to Fidel Edwards’ bowling during his brisk knock (Photo courtesy of Avenash Ramzan)
The match was high scoring but only a sprinkling of spectators were present for the Sunday evening dose of quality T20 cricket which was organized by the Guyana Cricket Board and Keem Foundation to raise funds for Caribbean nations that are affected by the recent spate of hurricanes.
Despite the absence of seasoned T20 players; Ronsford Beaton, Dwayne Smith, Kevon Cooper, Sulieman Benn and Lennox Cush, the players who took to the field really played their hearts out for the charitable cause.
The Caribbean All-Stars had first knock under the lights on a placid track and characteristically fast Providence outfield. After their 20 overs, the scoreboard read 174 for 5 which was built around a sizzling knock of 77 from 57 balls including a four and six sixes from opener Andre Fletcher.
Keemo Paul bowled Fletcher off a no-ball on 29 prior to the right-hander surging to his fifty. Support came from his opening partner Kjorn Ottley who struck four fours and two maximums in his batting exhibition of 38 off 32 balls; the pair put together an opening stand of 97.
Prior to the start of the match; from left Caribbean All-Star XI Captain Rayad Emrit, Keem Foundation’s Rawle Furgeson, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie and Guyana Captain Leon Johnson faced the flashing cameras
After the latter was bowled by all-rounder Ramaal Lewis, Ricardo Adams removed Shemroy Barrington for one followed by Lendl Simmons who was bowled for a first ball duck by fast-bowler Romario Shepherd (2-39).
The temperamental Nicholas Pooran added some impetus by smashing three big sixes and two fours in his quick-fire 33 off 15 balls before he was spectacularly caught by Jonathan Foo off Shepherd.
Guyana then paced the run chase with perfection which was built around Rutherford’s 51 from just 41 balls with eight fours and Foo’s cameo off 23 from 15 setting the tone. The local side was in a spot of bother at 80-5 after 8 overs before Barnwell joined the party.
Barnwell, the well decorated and experienced T20 player mauled 25 off 11 balls with three fours and a six while Gajanand Singh supported was unbeaten on 16 when the target was realized with one over to spare.
The hosts ended on 175-5 with Guyanese all-rounder Kellon Carmichael being the best Caribbean All-Star XI bowler with returns of 2-24.
While the sound system in the party mound was on cue with entertaining music there was no half-time show with Tamika Marshall, Natural Black and Jumo “Rubber-waist” Primo as was promised.
