ꟷ McGill Superstars, CICC in epic showdown for title and bragging rights
The clash of the titans, a moment long overdue, occurs today when McGill Superstars oppose Cornelia Ida Cricket Club in the final match of the WDCA/Beacon Café 50 Overs competition. The match will be played at Wales, and starting time is 09:00 hrs.
McGill Superstars
Each of these teams recorded a comprehensive victory in their semifinal matchup last weekend, thus each will be anxious to showcase their talent today, as the pitch would definitely favour spin bowling.
The team winning the toss would be better served by batting first, before the pitch deteriorates to an unplayable state. When that occurs, it would become difficult to read the spinners, as the ball would be subject to an alarming amount of turn.
When all is said and done, the team batting second would face an uphill task to attain the runs set before them.
Because the CICC would be without the services of captain Akshaya Persaud, who is currently on national duties with the Guyana Jaguars, their batsmen would need to step up to fill that void if they are to take the title.
In their semifinal matchup, Arshad Azim played a handy knock of 51 while bagging 3-27. He is expected to attempt repeating that feat. The all-round abilities and experience of Richie Looknauth would also be depended on. The CICC side boast a plethora of batsmen and bowlers that can step up to the plate at any time, as seen throughout the entire competition; and if this team play to their ability, they can emerge victorious.
Cornelia Ida Cricket Club
As their name suggests, the McGill Superstars have thus far performed superbly in the tournament. Every batsman and bowler have contributed to the team’s success. Unity will be a key factor, as their opponents would attempt to break their rhythm.
Travis Persaud has had a superb season with bat and ball, scoring a century recently and bagging a 6-wicket haul. He is expected to put on a show today. Prahalad Singh, Keyshram Seyhodan, Diquan Murray, Sudesh Persaud et al are expected to rock the Wales ground as well.
In the end, the match is expected to weigh in favour of who wins the toss and capitalizes on the use of quality spinners.
The squads for the finale are as follows:
CICC: Naveed Ali (Captain), Vaickesh Dhaniram, Khellawan Tulcan, Dhaniram Azamudeen, Harrinarine Bissondyal, Muhamad Wazidali, Richie Looknauth, Arshad Azim, Ajita Persaud, Ravindranauth Seeram, Avishka Ramgobin, Richard Sukhdeo and Zafar Spoke.
McGill Superstars: Sudesh Persaud (Captain), Daniel Basdeo (Vice Captain), Travis Persaud, Troy Persaud, Abdool Razack, Balram Aron, Kheshram Seyhodan, Ganesh Puran, Azar Deen, Trevor Lawrie, Diquan Murray, Prahalad Singh and Asif Mohamed.
The winner of the competition will pocket $100,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up will take home $50,000 and a trophy.
