Mahabirsingh eyes selection to West Indies Youth team

Mahabirsingh was instrumental in leading TT to the regional title as he excelled in all areas of the game. The off-break bowler finished fourth among the wickets with 11 scalps, fifth on the batting chart with 110 runs and took three catches to finish seventh on the most dismissals/ catches standings.

Speaking at the closing ceremony on Tuesday at the National Cycling Centre, Balmain, Couva, Mahabirsingh said he was glad to win the top award.

“It is a great feeling to get the MVP for the tournament. Helping your country to a victory is always good.” Mahabirsingh will represent TT in the Regional Under-19 tournament which bowls off on Monday in St Kitts and also has his sights on the West Indies Under- 19 team.

“Firstly I have the Under-19 tournament coming up so I want to do my best there. From there I want to make the West Indies Under-19 team that will be going to the World Cup and from there keep improving.” The 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup will be held in New Zealand from January 13 to February 3.

Mahabirsingh started off his national junior cricket career primarily as a bowler but he has developed into a solid batsmen.

The Naparima College student said the hard work is paying off.

“I worked really hard in school with my coach, he helped me a lot. Last year, at the national academy, I was involved with that and worked on my game.

I got more exposure to better coaches and more technology.” Asked if he enjoys batting or bowling more, Mahabirsingh says he likes both equally.

Mahabirsingh was not dismissed once during the Under- 17 tournament ending unbeaten four times. His scores included 41 not out against Barbados and 63 not out against Windward Islands.

Mahabirsingh rated the innings against Barbados as his best because he took TT to victory.

TT were 76 for four chasing 170 for the win, when Mahabirsingh guided the hosts to victory.

“The 41 not not against Barbados (was my best). We were under some pressure and going into bat I knew I had to concentrate and put down my head down and bring the victory home to TT .”