It was a beautiful day of cricket, and it was delighted to witness parents, yes parents of up and coming NY junior cricketers.  USA U15’s Randall Wilson, Brandon Dat, and Ryan Persaud had full support from their respective parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.  This is the support that is needed for our young cricketers.  We would hope that the number of parents’ attendance will increase throughout the season.

Waqas Shah during his knock of 77. Photos by Shiek Mohamed

Skipper of Tristate Waqas Shah won the toss and elected to take first strike against NY Cricket Academy during a 35-over match played at Baisley “Cage”.  Asim and young Surendra Singh opened the batting for Tristate, but the pitch extracted a few bounce that troubled young Singh, who nicked one to keeper Mazhar off the bowling of Yogindra Dass.  Dass is coming off his second fifer against Brooklyn Knights in the New York Cricket Academy U23 Tournament.  Entered at number three was former NYCR U15 all-rounder Waqas Shah whom missed out from making the U-19 squad last year, but was prepared to take full advantage of the opportunity this year.

Asim and Shah would go on to construct a 56-runs partnership before Asim nicked one to Mazhar off the bowling of prolific all-rounder Zahib Tariq for a well played 38 which included eight four’s.  Asim stroked the ball to all parts of the ground, and Waqas continued to steady the ship for the young Tristate squad.

Shah would bat through the inning by rotating the strike and picking up the odd boundaries.  He showed no mercy for any of the bowlers, especially young Mario Persaud after he took 21 off his over.

Zahib Tariq and Trinson Carmichael continue to make inroads with the other young batsmen, but Shah managed to keep the strike until he skied one to skipper Carmichael off the bowling of A. Chowdhury for a well played 77.  After the departure of Shah it was all she wrote for the young talented Tristate squad.  They posted a total of 155 all out after 26 overs.

Imran Mazhar hit a classic 71 not out.

Tariq finished with 4/20, Carmichael – 2/10, Dass, Seenarine, and Chowdhury picked up one wicket each.

The New York Cricket Academy would open the batting with prolific all-rounder Randall Wilson, and wicket-keeper Imran “Manny” Mazhar, but it was Manny that stole the spotlight and impressed the fans and coaches’.  Trisate opened the bowling with the spin and medium pace combination of Abdul Wadood and Waqas Shah.  Mazhar and Wilson constructed a 42-run partnership after Wilson (12) was trapped LBW from Wadood.

Imran continued to rotate the strike with new man Zaffar Yusuf who did not waste any time to get in the mix.  Yusuf took the attack to the two young left arm spinners, Brandon Dat and Michael Katwaroo, whilst Mazhar picked up the one’s and two’s.  Katwaroo is a very young gifted left arm “chinaman” bowler in the NYCR that is known for his commitment and work ethnics.

The two added an 82-run partnership before Zaffar was caught off the bowling of USA U-15 Ryan Persaud for a well played 39.  Mazhar and Tariq would ensure victory in the 20th. over for the New York Cricket Academy.  Imran was unbeaten with 71, and Tariq chipped in with 14 n.o.

The New York Cricket Academy would like to wish all the players good luck during the U19 tournament.  Anyone interested in joining the New York Cricket Academy, please contact Coach Ricky Kissoon at [email protected].  The Academy is a fully insured organisation and is working in collaboration with Partnership for Parks.

Zahib Tariq during his spell of 4 for 20.

Match Summary:
Tristate – 155 all out after 28 overs

W. Shah – 77
Asim – 38

Z. Tariq – 4/20
T. Carmichael – 2/10
Dass, Chowhdury, Seenarine – 1 wk. each

New York Cricket Academy – 157/2 after 20 overs
I. Mazhar – 71 n.o.
Y. Zaffar – 39
R. Wilson – 12
Z. Tariq – 14