592 Academy celebrate the fall of a wicket during their impressive quarterfinal victory over Spartans CC. Photo by Shiek Mohamed

Saturday’s NYNCL Premier Division quarterfinals produced two decisive results, with 592 Academy pulling off a major upset against experienced Spartans CC and Kingsmen XI powering past Melbourne CC to secure their places in the semifinals.

In the day’s biggest surprise, 592 Academy ended Spartans CC’s playoff campaign with a six-wicket victory after bowling their opponents out for just 117 in 27 overs.

Led by Wasim Haslim, Spartans CC opted to bat first after winning the toss but struggled to build partnerships against a disciplined 592 Academy attack. Rohit Dutchin top-scored with 29 from 29 balls, while Hasanul Karim contributed 24 off 40.

592 Academy’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. Michael Meggs claimed 3 for 29 from six overs, including a maiden, while former USA national player Prashanth Nair produced an outstanding spell of 3 for 15 from six overs, also bowling a maiden. Hemakesh Kissoon added 2 for 21 in 4.1 overs as Spartans CC were dismissed well short of a competitive total.

The chase proved relatively straightforward. Kellon Carmichael led the way with a composed 48, while Nair remained unbeaten on 12 as 592 Academy reached 120 for four in the 22nd over to complete a memorable quarterfinal victory.

The result sets up a semifinal meeting with NY XI this Saturday, August 22.
Arnil Raghunath anchored the Kingsmen XI innings with an outstanding 79 off 80 balls in their commanding quarterfinal victory over Melbourne CC.

In the other quarterfinal, Kingsmen XI produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Melbourne CC by 100 runs and book their place in the last four.

Batting first, Kingsmen XI posted 192 for five from their 30 overs, with Arnil Raghunath anchoring the innings with an excellent 79 from 80 balls. Vian Gooniah added 23 before Kevin Christian provided a late surge, smashing 16 from just five deliveries to help Kingsmen XI finish strongly.

Renaick Batson was Melbourne CC’s most effective bowler, claiming 3 for 50 from five overs, but his efforts could not prevent Kingsmen XI from establishing a formidable total.

Melbourne CC’s reply never gained momentum as Kingsmen XI’s bowlers kept the pressure on from the outset. Mark Tyrell top-scored with 26 from 24 balls, while Jermaine Pollard made 14 off 26, but Melbourne CC were eventually bowled out for 92 in the 26th over.

Vishal Roopnarine led the Kingsmen XI attack with an impressive 3 for 12 from six overs, including a maiden. Ansaar “Spyda” Yasim added 2 for 18 from his six overs, also conceding just three runs an over.

The emphatic victory sends Kingsmen XI into a semifinal clash with Everest/ACS, one of the most established sides in New York cricket.

With the quarterfinals complete, the NYNCL Premier Division semifinal lineup is now set. NY XI will face 592 Academy, while Kingsmen XI take on Everest/ACS on Saturday, August 22, with both winners advancing to the championship final.