Guyana took on table-topper Challengers on June 12, 2016 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, in the Massachusetts State Cricket League’s 2016 season schedule, but lost despite a gallant knock of 121 by Sharaz Baksh.
Sharaz Baksh (left) and Vishad Nigam both scored tons in their game against each other.
Challengers won to toss and opted to take first strike on a good batting wicket and fast outfield. They posted a challenging total of 280 for 8 in 40 overs. Opening batsman Vishad Nigam cracked a brilliant century, he was severe on anything short and up, as the Guyanese bowlers found it difficult to contain Nigam who was smashing the ball to the all parts of the ground. He brought up his century with a single down the ground and was finally out caught at long-on for well-made 137 (14x4s and 7x6s), while receiving good support from Nithin Kavoori, 38, Sharath Jayasimha, 37. Oditnarine Ramlochan was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 53.
In reply Guyana’s Sharaz Baksh scored a magnificent 121 laced with 19x4s and a solitary six, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a win for his team. Baksh batted with class, elegance and maturity, as he dominated the bowling attack piercing the gaps and finding the boundary regularly. He brought up his century in the 19th over with a blistering cover drive that whistled into the boundary, and put on a 112 partnership with Donohue Clarke, 19, for the first-wicket.
Challengers continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals and chipped away at Guyana’s batting line up. Nagam then returned to claim the prized wicket of Baksh off and inside edge into the pads, and then onto the stumps. Baksh received little support from the rest of the team. Only Mohabir Balgoin, 22, was able to get pass 20. Guyana was bowled out in the 36th over for 221. Raghavendra Kulaspar picked up 3 for 26.