Cricket fans were treated to a display of power-hitting and nerve-wracking momentum shifts on Sunday (November 16) as Tourism Guyana Titans faced off against the ‘Tapeball Turn Hardball’ squad and the Georgetown Cricket Association hopefuls, Mystic Marvels, at the newly renovated GNIC Sports Club Ground, Woolford Avenue.
In a match filled with fireworks, the Mystic Marvels successfully chased down a towering total to seal a memorable three-wicket victory.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Tourism Guyana Titans came out with clear intent- attack from ball one. Their openers took full advantage of the powerplay, dispatching the bowlers to all parts of the ground.
However, a timely bowling change from Mystic captain Brian Headley broke the opening stand in the sixth over, halting what seemed to be a runaway partnership.
Shortly after, Shaquel King produced a stunning inswinging yorker to dismiss former Demerara player Andrew Samaroo. But the Titans refused to slow down. Fiaz Yamin found his rhythm, stroking the ball with confidence and maintaining the powerplay momentum.
He made 84 and was well supported by Kevin McAdam, who lit up the ground with a blistering 60 off just 28 balls, including five sixes and six fours.
Despite the onslaught, Mystic Marvels’ bowlers stuck to their plans. Headley led from the front with figures of 3-62, aided by Ridge Rajaram (2-4) and Roopie Rajaram (2-24), as they eventually bowled out Tourism Guyana Titans for a substantial 261 in 31.1 overs.
In reply, the Mystic Marvels’ chase began on shaky footing. Opener Ridge Rajaram was dismissed for five, undone by a cleverly disguised off-spinner that drew him forward and led to a stumping.
His partner, however, took the attack back to the Titans. Leron Crawford smashed a flamboyant 36 in the powerplay, supported by Orandy King, as the Marvels signaled early intent to chase aggressively.
But the momentum swung again when both Crawford and King fell in quick succession- each brilliantly caught by Carl Singh at long-on. However, Man-of-the-Match Riaz Mohammed launched a remarkable counterattack, blasting a sensational 121 off 56 balls, including 16 towering sixes.
He single-handedly kept the Marvels alive as wickets tumbled around him before he was finally joined by captain Headley, who entered surprisingly low in the batting order, adopting the role of anchor holding his nerve when stability was needed most.
In a thrilling finish, the Mystic Marvels reached 262-7 in 30.4 overs, sealing a three-wicket win in one of the most entertaining matches seen at GNIC since its renovation.
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