All Apaches win Guaracara T20 Night League

Match-winning spells from Nishal Gayadeen (4/19) and Vashisht Ramlakhan (3/34) shepherded All Apaches to a nail-biting four-run win over Expert All Stars and the Guaracara T20 Night Cricket League title when action climaxed at Guaracara Recreation Ground on Saturday.

Batting first, Barrackpore-based All Apaches were dismissed for 171 in their 20 overs, with Kevin Hercules (39) and Stefon Seepersad (34), the main contributors with the bat. Randy Seelal also struck 25.

Experts All Stars bowler Stefon Rojan was the pick of the bowlers as he bagged an impressive 5/15 and Dave Mohammed 1/6.

In their turn at the crease, Claxton Bay’s Expert All Stars’ Feroz Mohammed (52) led the chase with a half-century knock and was ably supported by James Duncan (41) and Brandon Jagmohan (27).

However, stellar spells from eventual man of the match Gayadeen and Ramlakhan proved the difference as they combined to restrict Expert All Stars to 164 all out, with four balls to spare.

After the final, newly-minted champions All Apaches were presented with their $13,000 cheque and the runners-up received $7,000.

In their respective semi-final bouts, All Apaches defeated Spoilers Debe by two runs after posting 146 from 19 overs and then limiting their opponents to 144/4 from their 20 overs.

Experts All Stars also beat Bronte Sports and Cultural Club by six wickets.

The latter took first strike and closed on 146/5. But Expert All Stars made light work of the target and raced to a victorious 148/7 with three overs to spare.

The Guaracara T20 Night Cricket League was founded in 2014 by Reynold Sewdass, who continues to administer and manage the league to this day.

The 2022 season was sponsored by Guardian Group and Ian Williams. The initial sponsorship was for the 2020 season, which was aborted owing to the pandemic. After expenditure, the balance was rolled over into the 2022 season.

Normally, the league runs for 75 consecutive nights, beginning in February and ending in May. This year, however, because of the late approval for the resumption of domestic sport, the tournament ran for 40 nights, and bowled off on April 16.

Fifteen teams took part in this curtailed version.