After a week layoff, due to permit issues, Big Apple boys were ready to get back into action against All Star in Round Four of the Eastern American Cricket Association Power40 competition.

Big Apple skipper Zaheer Saffie hit a composed 83 not out against All Star. Photos by Shiek Mohamed

Under sunny skies at Flushing Meadows Park, Big Apple won the toss and elected to bat first. As it has been in the previous games, Big Apple experimented with their top order this time pairing Rhett Ramotar with Mark Chucky Gomes. The experiment didn’t last long as Ramotar was bowled for 13 by Dhavehi Patel and Gomes caught at mid on for 7 off the bowling of Balgrim Datt. With two early wickets down Clain Willians made his way to the crease with skipper Zaheer Saffie accompanying him at the other end.

The two yielded a massive third wicket partnership of 139. Both batsmen played responsible innings by stroking the ball to all parts of the grounds, picking up singles and twos and knowing when to slog the ball to the ropes for boundaries. Eventually both batsmen reached their 50s, Willaims his first of the season and Saffie’s second consecutive half century.

All Stars got their breakthrough when mixes up between the two batsmen lead to Williams being run out for well played 60. Saffie continued on with new batsmen Alvin Kalimootoo.  Saffie continue to bludgeon the All Star bowlers with boundaries through the covers and long on. A slow over rate by the All Star bowlers as well as a light rain shower lead to Big Apple ending their innings on 219 for 3 off 37 overs with Saffie on 83 not out and Kalimootoo on 15 not out.

Inning’s Summary:
BACC 219 for 3: (Zaheer Saffie 83* 7x4s, Clain Williams 60 2×4 & 1×6, Alvin Kalimootoo 15* 1×6).
All Star bowling: (Balgrim Datt 8-1-28-1, Dhavehi Patal 8-0-46-1).

Charlton Senior led Big Apple bowling with figures of 8-3-19-3.

While the pair that opens the batting for Big Apple has been different in all their matches, the pair that opens the bowling is never under question. Once again veteran speedster Telston Johnson opened the bowling with burly Jamaican Charlton Senior. The two had a tremendous outing against the All Stars, as they belted delivery after delivery at the batsmen.  The two left All Stars reeling as they combined for 5 of the first 6 wickets dismissing all for single digits. At 27 for 5, victory seemed assured for Big Apple, but a minor counter attack by Treq Zaman delayed the victory.  He patiently scored 34 being one two All Star batsmen to reach double figures, the other being Shaun Rampersaud for 12.

Eventually both would fall and All Stars would be dismissed for 90. This is the second time that Big Apple has dismissed their opponents for less than a hundred runs, the other being Falcons in week 1. With Big Apple scoring this comprehensive victory they move to 3-0 and are awaiting their match up Victory CC.

Inning’s Summary:
All Star 90 all out in26.3 overs: (Treq Zaman 34, 1×4 & 2×6, Shaun Rampersaud 12, 2×4, Nickolas Arjoon 8).
BACC bowling: (Charlton Senior 8-3-19-3, Telston Johnson 5-3-5-2, Shiv Raghubar 3-1-8-2).