Hits Eleven Sixes In 114-Run Knock.
NATIONAL senior cricketer Kimani Melius was again in great form with the bat last weekend, scoring 114 runs in boundaries as cricket action continued in the Des Barras Ezechiel Joseph T20 Cricket Tournament.
In the first match reduced to 15 overs because of overnight rain, Melius singlehandedly demolished Babonneau U-19 with the bat to guide Cacao to a splendid nine-wicket victory. The 16-year-old had fans running for shelter on the Des Barras playing field as fours and sixes kept pouring down in all directions.
Batting first after winning the toss, Babonneau U-19 scored a respectable 129 for 3 in their allocated 15 overs. Junior sportsman of the year, Johnnel Eugene, was again in good nick scoring a powerful 71 off 28 deliveries with 4 fours and 7 sixes. Tyler Sookwa also chipped in with 34 off 21 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes to help Babonneau U-19.
Babonneau U-19’s hopes were completely dashed by Melius, who scored his second century in the competition and the third this year. He was imperious with some delightful strokes and powered his team to victory in 7.2 overs, ending on 114 not out from 35 deliveries.
Melius’ knock comprised 11 fours and 11 sixes and no bowler from Babonneau U-19 was spared his wrath as Cacao ended on 131 for 1.
So far in the tournament, Melius has scores of 113 not out versus Balata, 65 against Des Barras and 114 not out versus Babonneau Under-19. Apart from this tournament, he has scores of 184 for Babonneau Secondary versus SDA Academy in the Massy United Insurance Under-19 Schools Cricket Tournament, 201 not out in a trial match to select the Gros Islet Under-19 Cricket Team and 78 for Babonneau Secondary versus Vide Bouteille Secondary in the Massy United Insurance Under-19 Schools Cricket Tournament.
In the second match of the day, Garrand defeated Balata by 54 runs, thanks mainly to a 107-run effort off 48 balls with seven fours and nine sixes by Gregory John.
Batting first after winning the toss, Garrand went on to score 223 for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. John, who opened the batting, had useful partnerships of 87 for the first wicket with Anthony Antoine — who scored 27 — and 65 for the second wicket with Maximus David, who scored 41 off 28 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes.
Chasing 224 for victory, Balata lost wickets at crucial moments as they were pegged back by Devon Eugene who picked up 4 for 22 from four overs to reduce the Balata total to 169 for 6 and ensure that Garrand register their first win in the tournament.
For Balata, Bronte Bess top scored with 41 while Glen Eristhee and Hazel Foster chipped in with 37 and 24 runs respectively.
Matches in the tournament continue this weekend at the same venue.