Essequibo Jaguars pulled off a stunning last-ball victory over Demerara Pitbulls in a high-scoring thriller in the Guyana Cricket Board’s National T20 League on Thursday at the LBI ground, East Coast Demerara.
Set a tall chase of 185, Jaguars needed 17 off the final over bowled by Floy Joseph, and Myheim Khan struck the first ball for six before being dismissed next delivery for 11 off seven.
With 11 needed off four balls, Joseph bowled a wide and next delivery Tomanni Caesar struck a six over deep extra cover.
Caesar then got two and a single off the next two balls, leaving Kevon Jawahir to close out the contest with a pull shot for four through deep mid-wicket.
Jaguars were set on their way by opener Joemal La Fleur, who blasted five fours and two sixes in 46 off 31.
Ricardo Adams also chipped in with 33 off 24 (2x4s, 3x6s), the in-form Zeynul Ramsammy made 30 off 16 (1×4, 2x6s) and Rajiv Ivan made a breezy 29 off 17 (3x4s, 2x6s).
Bowling for Pitbulls, Christopher Barnwell took 2-22, Joseph 2-29 and Clinton Pestano 2-37.
Earlier, Pitbulls got several contributions that propelled them to the huge total.
Opener Joshua Persaud topscored with 31 off 22 (2x4s, 1×6), Rickey Sargeant made 30 off15 (3x4s, 2x6s) and Raymond Perez scored 26 off 29 (3x4s) in the top-order, before Joseph with 25* off nine (2x4s, 2x6s) and Ronaldo Jeffrey 20* off 15 (2x4s, 1×6) provided the late impetus.
Off-spinner Khan was the standout bowler, claiming 4-33, while Ivan picked up 2-41.
The league continues this weekend with Essequibo Anacondas taking on Demerara Hawks on Saturday and Berbice Pirahnas battling Berbice Caimans on Sunday.
The GCB National T20 League is sponsored by BetCageSport and endorsed by the Government of Guyana.
