National Under-15 captain Kirstan Kallicharan continued his dominance of youth cricket on Monday, slamming an unbeaten 404 for Vishnu Boys in a 35-over Powergen Secondary Schools Cricket League quaterfinal U-14 match.Right-handed Kallicharan struck 44 fours and 31 sixes in his innings, guiding Vishnu to a massive 548/1 in 35 overs. In reply, Valencia was dismissed for 89 in 24 overs, as Kallicharan who is an effective leg-spinner, picked up two wickets for zero runs. Rickash Boodram also grabbed two wickets for zero runs, while Ceejay Harrypersad took 3/11.
Kallicharan was part of the Vishnu Boys team which won the Powergen Secondary Schools Premier Division 50-over league competition earlier this year.Kallicharan also led the national U-15 team to the West Indies Cricket Board Regional U-15 title last year. National U-15 coach Glen Dwarika was happy with his achievement. Dwarika said: "It is a great achievement, considering the amount of runs he scored." Dwarika added that he has the right attitude and a good support system around him. "I think he has commitment and his parents are always by his side." Kirstan's older brother Hance also plays for Vishnu Boys.Many youngsters over the years have been rushed in their cricket careers, and Dwarika does not want this to happen to Kirstan. "I think once he is managed and as an individual he does not get carried away he will be fine, Kirstan cannot stop learning cricket." Dwarika believes young cricketers must follow in the footsteps of past West Indian greats. The national U-15 coach said that past West Indians had a solid regime, ensuring fitness, discipline and a proper diet was part of their daily lives.
SCORES:At Esmeralda: Vishnu Boys 548/1 (Kirstan Kallicharan 404 no, Rickash Boodram 37 no, Stefon Gould 1/66) vs Valencia 89 (24 overs) (Ceejay Harrypersad 3/11, Kallicharan 2/0, Boodram 2/0) Vishnu won by 459 runs