Mohammed hits 134, Bachan misses century

A SUPERB century by skipper Jason Mohammed who made 134 and an equally dazzling 99 by Rishi Bachan lifted defending champions South-East Zone to a commanding 357 in their first innings on opening day of their crucial Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) Under-19 Inter-zone fourth round match against Central at the Barrackpore Secon-dary Comprehensive ground yesterday. Central won the toss and decided to field first in the match which will probably decide the 2005 winners. Having defeated Tobago outright in the third round, Central entered this match with greater confidence especially with the inclusion of national attacking opener William Perkins who obviously would strengthen any batting line-up.

And the South-East team played like champions with their two most experienced players, Mohammed and Bachan, rising to the challenge to post their challenging total, the highest for the 2005 competition. Mohammed belted two sixes and 18 fours as he recorded the first century of the series. But Bachan was denied his century in a freak dismissal. His drive struck Perkins, fielding at silly-point, on the head and lobbed to  slip fielder Keegan Roy who held the catch. Bachan struck two sixes and ten fours in his enterprising knock. Rakesh Ramkissoon, 43, and Azruddin Mohammed, 24, were the other main contributors.

Deonarine took three of Central’s wickets for 46 runs while Kashtri Singh took three for 62. Facing the mammoth score Central made a spirited reply, with Perkins hitting  two huge sixes and six fours in his 43, before being bowled by left-arm spinner Bachan. Miguel Heeraman was undefeated on 14 when play closed with Central on 74 for one wicket. Meanwhile, South batsmen led by skipper Javed Mohammed 74, Ravindra Rampersad 45, Dane Tellucksingh 32 not out, and Raphael Telluck 39, raced to 296 for seven wickets against Tobago at the close of play in their match at Shaw Park yesterday. And at the Diego Martin recreation ground, North made 210 and North-East replied with 130 for four wickets by the  close. All matches conclude today.

Summarised Scores
At Barrackpore Secondary: SOUTH-EAST 357 - J Mohammed 136, R Bachan 99, R Ramkissoon 43, A Mohammed 24; V Deonarine 3/46, Kashtri Singh 3/62) vs CENTRAL 74/1 - W Perkins 43.
At Shaw Park: SOUTH ZONE 296/7 - Javed Mohammed 74, R Rampersad 45, D Tellucksingh 32 not out,, R Telluck 39, Allan Kerr 4/45 vs TOBAGO.
At Diego Martin: NORTH ZONE 210 Marlon Barclay 65, Shastri Samaroo 47, Sunil Narine 6/51 vs NORTH-EAST 130/4 - James Wright 38, Sunil Narine 34 not out, Prudencio Cedeno jr 33 not out, Mario Belcon 2/22.