Set 127 to make Demerara bat again but more importantly needing to survive a session and 23 minutes to avoid defeat, Essequibo produced another pathetic batting performance; losing their rain-hit GTM under-19 Three-Day cricket match at Uitvlugt yesterday by an innings and 24 runs.
Senseless shot selection caused the demise of most of Essequibo’s batsmen yesterday as they fell for 103 with leg-spinner Amir Khan adding 5-32 to his first innings 6-32. Christopher Surat had 2-30.
Only Kevin Boodie (29), Herrell Greene (22) and Kevin Fredericks (12) reached double figures for Essequibo.
Demerara resumed on 44-3 replying to Essequibo’s 1st innings 126 and declared at 253-5, just before Tea when Andre Stoll fell for a 64-ball 71 with six fours and two sixes.
Stoll and Arif Habib (61 not out), added 109 for the 5th wicket.
Habib and Kwame Crosse added 108 for the 4th wicket before Crosse edged spinner Anthony Adams to slip. His 201-ball 72 lasted 212 minutes and included 5 fours.
Rensford Beaton took 2-16 for Essequibo who play Berbice from tomorrow in the 2nd round in Essequibo.
Essequibo will practice in Queenstown, Essequibo from 15:00hrs today. Demerara will practice on Monday from 09:00hrs at Malteenoes and have added Dayanand Roopnarine and Vikash Dhaniram to their squad.