Matthew Nandu stood out with another half-century in Guyana’s Harpy Eagles practice matches but his fellow batsmen again failed to make the most of their start on the first day of the four-day match at the Providence National Stadium.
The left-handed batsman, who scored 78 and 24 runs in the previous match, stayed at the stadium for almost three hours on Wednesday and faced 114 balls, and hit 6 fours.
The West Indies Under-19 captain put on a 72-run opening partnership with Everest Cricket Club colleague Chandrapaul Hemraj to take him to 46 off 36 balls until he was dismissed by Niall Smith.
Shamar Yearwood (37) was the next best scorer while veteran Leon Johnson remained unbeaten on 25, Akshaya Persaud scored 22 and Tevin Imlach’s XI were bowled out for 226 in 75.4 overs.
Chandrapaul Hemraj scored a brisk 46 before he was dismissed
Skipper Gudakesh Moti led his team with 3-8 in 8.4 overs, while off-spinners Richie Lucknath (2-29) and Junior Sinclair (2-33) played in support.
Matthew Nandu, in an interview with “Newsroom”, he said that day by day, game by game he believes in himself positively.
“Just want to take it game by game and day by day Control what I can control and just keep staying positive and believing in myself.”
Speaking further, Nandu insisted that he works hard in every session and works on his fitness, mentally and physically.
“I’ve played cricket for a while now and continue to working hard in the nets any session I get Working on my fitness, mentally and physically. So, yeah, I honestly believe that. Just keep playing my game.”
“I think the belief in myself is one of the biggest things, especially mental toughness. I mean, it’s not easy to bot long periods. so I think mental toughness, mental of strength will all come together.”
Nandu scored 78 runs in the first innings before the second match and when asked about it he said,
It was a good inning, but obviously not 100% satisfied. I felt they could have gone on to score a bigger get some more runs but I just want to keep looking forward and keep my head up high.
Also,
“Getting along well with a lot of them. They’re always open to it for any advice, any questions I may have. So really enjoying my time here.”