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In an effort to support families of former Guyana National Cricketers, Friends of Former Guyana Cricketers (FFGC) staged an exhibition match between NY former Guyana Nationals and some of New York best U23 players.
Andre Kirton hit an exciting 48 and took 2 for 31. Photos by Shiek Mohamed
The U23 squad was coached and organized by NYC-PSAL Assistant Cricket Commissioner Ricky Kissoon, whilst members of FFGC organized the refreshments and food for the fundraiser event.
Guyana is known for some of the best cricketers, and many of them continued to show why they represented Guyana in the late 70’s and 80’s. Former Guyana U19 player Safraz Ali and Marlon Kallicharran opened the batting for FFGC, and boy they did not disappoint the fans.
Ali and Kallicharran punished the two young pacers; Francis Mendonca and Hugo D’Oliveria to the different parts of Baisley Cage. Ali is in good form as he’s coming off two centuries for Enmore CC in the Eastern American Cricket League 40-over competition.
At one point, FFGC was 75 without loss after 11 overs, but the spin combination of NYCR U19 Zahib Tariq and former USA U19 Andre “Rusty” Kirton brought the U23’s back in the match with some excellent spin bowling. Kallicharan (56) would first depart as Ali continued to pick up the one’s and two’s.
Young all-rounder Michael Noble (54) would add another half-century for the “old timers”, whilst Kevin Charles (18) took the assault to the young lads with some aggressive hitting. FFGC would finish with a total of 180/9 after 30 overs.
The U23’s opened the batting with Imran “Manni” Mahzar and Zahib Tariq. The spectators were very impressed with both teenagers as they rotated the strike picking up one’s and two’s with the boundaries coming occasionally.
Tariq (16) was the first to go after trying to cut, but was caught behind by M. Kallicharran. Former USA U19 Romeno Deane joined Mahzar, but did not trouble the score as he was cleaned bowled trying to play across the line by Ray Joseph.
Kirton then strolled to the wicket with an intention of making another big score after coming off a magnificent century during a T/20 match for Middlesex CC.
Imran Mazhar is having a dream season as he struck 52 against the veterans.
Mahzar continues to show why he’s New York best U19 wicket-keeper/opening batsman with his impressive and smart batting, whilst getting good complement from young Kirton. Kirton impressed the fans with some aggressive slug sweeps to the mid-wicket boundaries.
Both batsmen would continue to bat sensible leading their youthful squad to victory. Mahzar registered another half-century (52) to his name at the Cage, and Kirton made a swashbuckling 48. Former Guyana fast-bowler Ray Joseph was the most successful bowlers for the FFGC team.
Match Summary:
FFGC – 180/9 after 30 overs
M. Kallicharran – 56
M. Felix Noble – 54 Retired Hurt
K. Charles – 18
Bowling for U-23
A. Kirton – 2/31
Z. Tariq – 1/23
New York U23’s – 184/4 after 21 overs
Mazhar – 52
Kirton – 48
Tariq – 16
