By Tyriq Walters
In a thrilling match in the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association’s under 19 tournament, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) emerged victorious over a Demerara Cricket Board Select Eleven, thanks to outstanding performances from the Latif brothers.
Batting first after winning the toss, the Demerara Select 11 posted a competitive total of 296 for eight, with notable contributions from Shiloh Adams (79 not out), Anthon Lim (75), and Deonarine Dindyal (53).
However, Riyad Latif’s bowling brilliance, claiming four wickets for 53 runs, restricted their scoring in the latter part of the innings.
Chasing 297 for victory, the GCA Under 19 openers, Ryan Latif and Romeo Deonarine, survived early scares to score crucial runs.
Ryan Latif impressed with 95 runs, while Deonarine contributed 57.
Supported by Jonathan Van-Lang (48) and Zachary Jodha (32), the GCA team managed to reach the target with one wicket in hand, with Riyad Latif (12) and John Persaud (5) guiding them over the line.
Krishna Singh and Nityanand Mathura were the chief wicket-takers for the Demerara Cricket Board Select Eleven.
Ryan Latif, who was named Player of the Match, credited his success to maintaining a free mindset and rotating the strike effectively.
Meanwhile, the head coach of the Select XI, Yeuraj Khemraj, attributed their loss to dropped catches, which he believed cost them dearly.
The tournament served as a platform for selecting the Demerara under 19 team for the upcoming GCB inter-county tournament.