By Ravendra Madholall

Former Guyana youth player Kevin George struck a blistering 72 to help 4040 WIBS to the 2024 Ontario Round-Arm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) T20 Premier Cup championship on Sunday at the Emancipation Park, Brampton.

Playing against Phoenix X1, the right-handed George slammed 9 sixes and 2 fours during his 45-ball show at the crease. His team reached 157-6 with 5 balls remaining after they had kept Phoenix X1 to a challenging 156-9 from the allotted 20-overs.

George and Sadiq Mohamed featured in an important, 70-run third-wicket stand after 4040 WIBS was struggling at 13-2.Mohamed contributed a useful 23 and his dismissal sparked a middle-order collapse before skipper Aftaba Shamshudeen settled things with an undefeated 36.

The right-handed Shamshudeen, a former Canadian International player, hit 4 sixes and a boundary from 20 balls as Hemnarine Chattergoon, another player with Canadian experience, grabbed 2-26 from his maximum four overs.

Earlier, the debutant 4040 WIBS won the toss and opted to bowl. The decision seemed justified after Andy Diaram departed for zero at 6-1. However, Chattergoon and the other opener Sanjay Ramlakhan stabilised things with an eventful, 60-run partnership. Chattergoon galloped to a half-century (54), which contained 5 sixes and 3 fours off 25 balls. Ramlakhan supported him with 20.

Kunauth Harry batted well to make 33 having clobbered four sixes.

Abdool Gamal Hamid was the star-bowler for 4040 WIBS with outstanding figures of 4-24 in his 4-over outing. Rajin Outar offered good support with 2-34 from his four overs while George had 1-30 (4) to complement a fine all-round performance which gave him the player-of-the-match award.

At the post-match presentation ceremony, the winning side collected a trophy; Phoenix X1 was presented one as well. Chattergoon took home a trophy too for being the Most Valuable Player for Phoenix X1.

President of the ORSCA Mitch Bacchus congratulated both teams for their participation in the championship encounter.

He also expressed his appreciation to sponsor Ravi Bones; he also  and thanked his fellow executives for their unwavering commitment in keeping round-arm softball alive.