EACA 40-overs Tournament
By Brandon Dat
Having won the toss against Camelot, Big Apple Cricket Club elected to bat first with Brandon Dat and captain Zaheer Saffie opening.
Zaheer Saffie took apart Camelot bowling attack with a beautiful 207 that included 22 fours and 5 sixes. Photo by Shem Rodney
Zaheer Saffie was the first to take strike. He wasted no time, dispatching the first ball of the game for four with a splendid drive over extra cover. Saffie looked in great touch having routed the opening bowler for seventeen runs in the first over. The elegance and poise Zaheer Saffie played with not only captivated the attention of onlookers, but also mesmerized his teammates. It was quite evident that the skipper would make a daunting score from the perspective of the opposition, but no one expected he would reach a total that would essentially demoralize a team.
With fielders bracing the fence, the score showed no signs of slowing down. Zaheer Saffie took control of the game by straight- driving the bowlers with such power and grace that both long- off and long- on and no chance of reaching the ball. With continuous applause from onlookers, Saffie continued to dominate Camelot’s bowling attack.
It was Brandon Dat that fell shortly after the first water break having scored 36, with the opening partnership reaching approximately 140. Trevis Ross was the next man in, with Big Apple in a commanding position. Trevis Ross, the United States under-19 batsmen displayed his class with a stunning six over long-off.
However, Ross was out caught shortly after. Meanwhile, Zaheer Saffie continued to hammer the ball to all parts of the ground and essentially showed why he is considered and elite player.
In no time at all the skipper brought up a well- deserved century. With Big Apple losing two wickets, Captain Zaheer Saffie continued to mesmerize the crowd as he brought up his double century with a six. At the end of 35 overs (overs reduced due to timing), Big Apple cricket club scored 309.
With such a substantial total, the Camelot openers knew that they had to score at a brisk pace. Unfortunately for Camelot, Opening bowlers Troy Dudnauth and Rocky Kowchai broke the through the lineup with consistent and hostile bowling. It was left- spinner Ramdihal that dismissed the remainder of Camelot’s batsmen. Camelot was all out for 48.
Hillside Cricket Club will be hosting Big Apple Cricket Club on Sunday 07/13/14 at Bay Park.
Big Apple Cricket Club Innings: 309 for 4 in 35 Overs.
Zaheer Saffie-207 22 x 4 5 x 6
Brandon Dat-36 4 x 4
Narindra Balram-20* 4 x 1 6 x 1
Camelot Cricket Club Bowling:
Gerald Singh 7/0/45/2
Camelot Cricket Club Innings: 48 all out in 13 Overs:
Andrew Shivraj 12
Big Apple Cricket Club Bowling:
Troy Dudnauth 5/0/10/3
Hemendra Ramdhial 2/1/1/2
Rocky Kowchai 5/0/21/2
