By Shivnan S. Ramjattan
In this rematch, following a high-scoring thriller in their previous encounter at Whitestone Park—where Xploras Masters chased down an impressive 201 with three overs to spare—the stage was set for another exciting contest, as a win would propel either team to a semifinal slot.
This time, at the Grand Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, Cosmos Masters’ abysmal chase of a modest 151 from 35 overs, at a required rate of 4.3 runs per over, proved too much for them, despite their solid batting lineup. Xploras emerged victorious by 41 runs, leaving the Cosmos boys with a chase they would want to forget as quickly as possible, as they reflect during the long winter months on what went wrong.
Earlier, at the toss, Xploras chose to bat after winning the coin toss. Their openers put together a run-a-ball 41, with Owen Salmon contributing 33 from 29 balls, including three fours and two sixes, before Sham Ali had him caught. David Baker soon followed for 15, Ralph Lynch for 16, and Junior Morris for 24. At the first water break, Xploras were in control at 94 for 15 overs.
However, the situation changed dramatically after the break, as Mark Kipping and Michael Baker kept the Xploras in check with their tenacious line and length. The last five wickets could only muster 54 runs, with Mark Audain (28) and Ellis Greene (14) being the other two to reach double figures, leading to a disappointing total of 151 all out.
That disappointment quickly turned into wild celebration as Cosmos succumbed to a disciplined and enthusiastic bowling attack. Opening bowlers Andrew Buckle and David Baker had Cosmos off to a rough start. In-form Kawall Persaud was dismissed for a first-ball duck, followed by Ralston Trogard (4) and Ganesh Ramsingh (10), all back in the pavilion. Oliver Buckle then had Royo Sankar caught at the wicket for seven, leaving Cosmos in tatters at 30 for four after 11 overs.
Neil Lewis and Sunil Narine led a rearguard fight back, taking the score to 85 before a horrible mix-up left Neil Lewis stranded, run out for 44 from 45 balls. Sunil Narine soon followed for 24, given out to a controversial over-the-waist full-toss. After that, the rest of the batting collapsed, leading to 110 all out in 29.2 overs.
Mark Audain was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round performance, scoring 28 runs and recording bowling figures of 5-1-19-2.