National Super 50 Tournament: Essequibo book spot in final after commanding victory over GCB Select XI

Essequibo secured their spot in the finals of the Queensway Security Service National Super 50 Tournament after a commanding 10-wicket victory over GCB Select XI at the Lusignan Community Center, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Saturday.
In Saturday’s match-up, Essequibo won the toss and elected to bowl first. Their bowlers wasted no time, bundling out the winless GCB Select XI for a paltry 69 in the 31st over. In response, Essequibo raced to 70 without loss, sealing the win with a staggering 256 balls remaining.

Leading the charge was the in-form Kevon Boodie, who smashed an unbeaten 54 off just 33 deliveries, peppering the boundary with four sixes and five fours. He was well supported by opening partner Kanhaiya Ramkaran, who remained not out on 14.
Earlier, left-arm spinner Anthony Adams delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 4 for 27 from nine probing overs on a pitch offering turn.
He was well supported by West Indies fast bowler Ronsford Beaton, who took 2 for 9 from four tidy overs, including the early wicket of captain and Test opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 1.

Beaton also dismissed Romeo Deonarain (1), setting the tone for a top-order collapse.
Anthony Adams further dented the innings by removing Brandon Jaikaran (8) and Afraz Budhoo (12), while Ricardo Adams (no relation) added pressure with a disciplined spell of 2 for 16 off nine overs.
Only Ronald Jeffrey offered resistance with a late 22, adding some respectability to the total. Anthony Adams was deservedly named Player of the Match for his superb bowling display.
Essequibo’s latest win keeps their hopes alive for a spot in the final, with one preliminary match remaining today between Berbice and defending champions Demerara at the No. 69 Ground in Berbice.
Demerara have won both of their matches so far, while Berbice, with one win and one loss, must secure a strong victory to stay in contention. If Berbice defeat Demerara convincingly, all three teams (Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice) will finish with two wins each, meaning net run rate will determine the finalists.
A win for Demerara would see them square off against Essequibo in the grand finale, scheduled for October 26, either at Hampton Court in Essequibo or Albion in Berbice.