Mahdia crowned Essequibo zone champions in Kares One Guyana T10 thriller

Emotions ran high and the tension was palpable as Mahdia (Movements Family) triumphed over the star-studded Avinash All-Stars in a nail-biting final to claim the Essequibo zone title of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.

Under the lights of the Anna Regina Ground, Mahdia held their nerve to secure the $300,000 zone prize, while Avinash All-Star $100,000.

The bigger picture is that Mahdia has qualified for the national playoffs.

After setting a target of 112-9, Mahdia’s bowlers showcased remarkable discipline to restrict Avinash All-Stars to 104-5. This was no small feat, especially with West Indies firepower in the opposition ranks.

Barbadian import Kyle Mayers unleashed an unbeaten 53 off just 25 balls, featuring four fours and four sixes, while fellow countryman Marlon Goodman added 25.

However, the Mahdia attack, spearheaded by captain Raydon Austin’s excellent 2-11 from two overs, proved too much to overcome.

Earlier in Mahdia’s innings, despite the efforts of Ronsford Beaton (2-23) and Ameer Mohamed (2-24), who bowled well to contain the scoring, a counter-attacking 40 from just 16 balls (1×4, 5x6s) provided the crucial impetus to reach a competitive total.

In the semi-finals, Avinash All-Stars made light work of Aurora Knight Riders, restricting them to 68-7 with Carlos LaRose bagging 3-8, before chasing down the target in a mere 4.5 overs.

Mahdia’s journey to the final saw them defeat Renegades Cricket Club by 17 runs, posting 114-7 on the back of solid contributions from Ricardo Adams (40) and Andrew Gibson (27).

With all four zone champions now crowned, the stage is set for the national semi-finals at the National Stadium, Providence, on Sunday, August 3.

Defending champions Titans All-Stars will face Mahdia in the first semi-final, followed by a clash between Montra Jaguars and Eccles All-Stars in the second.

The day’s cricketing extravaganza will kick off at 13:30h with a female exhibition match, followed by semi-final one and two, before the grand final, scheduled to begin at 19:30h.

The stakes are considerably higher in the national final, with teams vying for a massive $1.7 million grand prize.

The national runner-up won’t go home empty-handed, pocketing $700,000 along with a trophy and medals, while even the losing semi-finalists will be rewarded with $300,000 each.

The national finals will be on Sunday, August 3, at the National Stadium, Providence.

Individual brilliance won’t go unnoticed either, with a host of prizes up for grabs, including MVP ($150,000 + motorcycle), Most Runs ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Most Wickets ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Man-of-the-National Final ($75,000 + trophy + TV), Highest Strike Rate ($35,000), and Best Economy ($35,000).

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has garnered support from: Kares Engineering Inc, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Impressions, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn’s Mini Mart, Giftland Group of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant & Lounge, Windsor Estates, The New Doctor’s Clinic, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille’s Academy, Navin and Sons Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.

FULL SCORES: https://cricheroes.com/tournament/1535884/kares-one-guyana-t10-tapeball-blast-2025/matches/past-matches?type=m