Eastern American Cricket Association Power40 Competition
Liberty Sports Club put in a strong all-round performance to get back in the winning column against Camelot CC in the Eastern American Cricket Association Power40 competition. Played at the Baisley Cage on Sunday LSC bowled out Camelot for 166 and then chased down the total in the 21st over with 5 wickets to spare. Altaaf Habibulla picked up 3 wickets while skipper Danesh Deonarain knocked in an unbeaten 45 to lead #BlueNation to victory.
(L to R) Altaaf Habibulla led with the ball picking up 3 wickets, Vijay Naidu picked up 2 wickets and scored a quick fire 14 on his return to competitive cricket and Danesh Deonarain spearheaded the chase with 45 not out.
In overcast conditions Camelot CC won the toss and elected to bat, a decision which looked to be in their favor after being 60 without loss as the 1st drinks break approached. However, Imtiaz Hassan had Roy Harry (28) stumped in the 15th over and that opened up the game for LSC. Ian Chin (40), Imdad Khan (33) & Taahir Surijpaul (23) offered some resistance but it was Altaaf Habibulla who picked up 3 key middle order wickets which led to Camelot CC being bowled out for 166.
Vijay Naidu, making a comeback after being away from the game for 4 years, picked up 2 wickets also bowling his leg breaks.
LSC’s chase got off to a worrying start after losing opening batsman Dilly Khilawan for naught and then number 3 Habibulla (15) when the score was on 32. Captain, Danesh Deonarain, joined opening batsman Bose Persaud as the duo moved the score past 50 when Persaud held out to long on. Hassan joined Deonarain and the pair steadied up the chase before Hassan (22) was caught at mid-wicket.
Thakur Singh (13) who earlier sent down a miserly spell of spin bowling opening the ball for LSC stayed with Deonarain to bring the chase within striking distance before he was bowled. Naidu continued to enjoy his return to competitive, league cricket; with a quick fire 14 not out to help close off the chase.
Deonarain struck 5 fours in his game high knock of 45 not out as he navigated the LSC chase through the 21 overs.
Liberty SC will continue their EACA Division 1 games this weekend against Arsenal CC. Follow the progress of Liberty Sports Club and join the #BlueNation via facebook (facebook.com/LibertyCricketClubb) and twitter (@LibertySportsC).