An impressive all-round performance, highlighted by solid batting and incisive spin bowling, saw Essequibo secure a comprehensive 118-run victory over rivals Berbice in the Queensway Senior Inter-County Super50 Cup at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground on Thursday.
FULL SCORECARD: https://cricheroes.com/scorecard/19585871/queensway-security-service-national-super50-tournament-2025/essequibo-vs-berbice/summary
The dominant win breathes new life into the tournament, leaving the race for the final wide open between Essequibo, Berbice, and Demerara.
After a disappointing batting collapse in their opening fixture against Demerara, Essequibo showcased a vastly improved collective effort, posting a challenging total of 288 for 9 from their 50 overs.
The innings was built on vital contributions at the top and middle order.
Opener Kevon Boodie set the platform with a fine 74, before the impetus was maintained by Quentin Sampson (55) and a fluent Keemo Paul (37).
Handy lower-order knocks from Thaddeus Lovell (31) and Antony Adams (21) ensured the team crossed the 280-mark, an imposing target given the conditions.
For Berbice, spinners Omesh Mathura (3 for 51) and West Indies international Kevin Sinclair (2 for 26) were the most successful, attempting to stem the flow of runs.
Chasing a stiff target, the Berbice batting line-up produced a surprisingly feeble response, struggling to cope with the combined might of Essequibo’s bowling attack.
Only young Tomani Caesar managed to shine, anchoring the innings with a positive 57; however, the Essequibo spinners, operating in tandem, wreaked havoc.
Left-arm orthodox spinners Golcharran Chulai and Antony Adams hunted in a pack, sharing seven wickets between them.
Chulai was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with excellent figures of 4 for 48, while Adams was equally effective, claiming 3 for 48 as Berbice were bundled out for just 170 in 39.5 overs.
The moment that broke Berbice’s brief resistance came when the experienced Kevin Sinclair (27), after hitting two sixes off Chulai, perished on the boundary rope to an acrobatic catch by Keemo Paul.
Apart from Caesar and Sinclair, Garfield Benjamin (33) was the only other batsman with a relatively prolonged stay at the crease.
The victory propels Essequibo back into contention, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the preliminary round.
The final two group matches will determine the two finalists:
- Saturday: Essequibo will face the winless Guyana Cricket Board Select XI at Lusignan
- Sunday: The mega clash will see Berbice host Demerara at the No. 69 Ground
Both crucial fixtures are scheduled for a 09:00h start.
Selectors are closely monitoring these matches, as performances will inform the selection of the Guyana Harpy Eagles Squad for the upcoming Regional Super50 Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago, earmarked for November–December.
The Guyana national team has not lifted the regional 50-over title since 2005, and with several seasoned Harpy Eagles players potentially absent due to international commitments, this inter-county tournament serves as a vital platform for emerging talent.
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