The 2025 Garden State Cricket League 40-Overs Final at Watsessing Park-B on August 10 produced a nail-biting contest as New York Cricket Club (NJCC) overcame Garden State Knight Warrior (GSKW) by two wickets with 14 balls to spare. It was a match filled with drama, individual brilliance, and momentum swings, with Trinson Carmichael’s all-round contribution earning him the Player of the Match award.
Winning the toss, GSK Warriors opted to bat first but got off to a shaky start. Early run outs of Vick Rabindradat (1) and Richard Ramrattan (26) disrupted their rhythm. Daniel Williams (26) tried to stabilize the innings, but wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving the side struggling at 75/6 by the 20th over.
The innings turned around spectacularly thanks to Bhaskar Yadram’s explosive century. Yadram’s 100 which included six consecutive sixes, came off just 64 deliveries, featuring 10 sixes and 4 boundaries, changed the complexion of the game. His aggressive strokeplay dismantled NJCC’s bowling attack before he fell with the score at 201 in the 36th over. Despite his efforts, the Warriors were bowled out for 206 in 36.3 overs. For NJCC, Nial Smith (3/38) and Richard Woolford (2/26) were the pick of the bowlers.
Chasing 207, NJCC’s innings began at a frantic pace. Brian Sattaur blazed away with 17 off 7 balls before falling to Hemendra Ramdihal. Bhaskar Yadram then struck again, trapping Brandon Mangal lbw for a duck, leaving NJCC at 18/2. A steadying partnership between Dominique Rikhi (34) and Trinson Carmichael revived hopes, but Rikhi’s dismissal made it 65/3.
Carmichael, anchoring the innings, combined well with Zamal Khan (26) and later Junior Sinclair (33 off 27) to keep the scoreboard moving. Carmichael’s composed 58 from 78 balls was the backbone of the chase, balancing patience with timely aggression.
However, the Warriors fought back as Jeremey Sandia’s inspired spell (4/38) triggered a middle-order collapse. From a comfortable 171/4, NJCC stumbled to 192/8, with the pressure firmly back on the chasing side.
In the end, Anthony Budhu (6*) and Nial Smith (10* off 8) held their nerve, guiding NJCC to victory in the 38th over.
The final showcased the essence of competitive cricket — brilliant batting displays, incisive bowling, sharp fielding, and high-stakes pressure. While Bhaskar Yadram’s sensational century was the standout batting performance, it was Trinson Carmichael’s all-round impact, steadying the chase and being involved in three run outs, that proved decisive in NJCC taking the 2025 Garden State Cricket League title.
