Scorecard
A clinical all-round performance from NY Diamonds saw them secure a dominant six-wicket victory over the Royal Strikers in the 2026 Brooklyn Cricket League T40 Premier Division final at Marine Park B. Player of the Match Syed Abdullah starred with a crucial three-wicket haul before a rapid 47 from Syed Zohaib Kazmi ensured the Diamonds chased down a modest target of 121 in just 16.1 overs.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Royal Strikers suffered an immediate setback when Muhammad Ali was caught by Tamesh Persaud off Kazam Shahzad for 1 in the opening over. Shamraiz Ali (12) and Hamza Khushnud (18) attempted to rebuild, but their 30-run partnership was broken when Shamraiz fell to Koushik Ram Manoj Kumar.
All-rounder Syed Abdullah holds the championship silverware after NY Diamonds defeated Royal Strikers.
The introduction of Abdullah completely shifted the momentum. The spinner dismantled the Strikers' middle order, trapping Khushnud leg-before-wicket before returning to dismiss Fahad Ijaz (2) and top-scorer Hamza Rana, who struck a resilient 31 off 42 balls. Abdullah completed an outstanding eight-over spell, taking 3 for 30.
With the Strikers reeling at 78 for 5, Persaud tightened the screws. The bowler delivered an economical spell of 3 for 26 from 7.4 overs, dismissing Jazeb Tariq (8) and Jamshed Ghuman (4), before bowling Fahad Riaz for 17 to wrap up the innings for 120 in 32.4 overs. Manoj Kumar provided excellent support, claiming 2 for 20 from his eight overs.
The Diamonds' chase began aggressively. Despite losing Ayyaz Khan for 14 in the second over to Tariq, Kazmi and Waqas Shah dismantled the Strikers' bowling attack with a blistering 74-run second-wicket partnership. Shah struck one four and two sixes in his 22-ball 26 before falling to Rana.
Kazmi anchored the chase expertly, striking four boundaries and a six during his 44-ball 47. Rana momentarily halted the momentum by removing Kazmi, and Ali dismissed Abdullah for a quickfire 12, leaving the score at 108 for 4. However, Persaud ensured there were no further stumbles, striking a boundary to finish unbeaten on 11 alongside Javin Thomas, comfortably crossing the line with 143 balls to spare.
The comprehensive victory provides an invaluable net run rate boost for the NY Diamonds, solidifying their position near the top of the Premier Division table. For the Royal Strikers, a catastrophic batting display leaves them desperate to fix their top-order fragility ahead of the tournament's upcoming rounds.
