By Jerry Persaud
On our way to the picturesque Flushing Meadows Park to engaged Phantoms Cricket Club in the EACA scheduled 40 overs game, former Guyana under 19 player Safraz Ali mentioned to us, “that the way he is feeling, he would like to score a double today.” Unfortunately he didn’t as the pressure of the heat took a toll on him, he would have most certainly accomplished that feat.
Safraz Ali scored his fourth ton of the season, 149 against Phantoms. Photo: John Aaron.
On a bright and sunny day, Enmore in winning the toss and with skipper Asif Ali and vice-captain Chaman Ramdial opted to sit out the game, as Enmore elected to take first strike. Opening the batting were Safraz Ali and Rajendra Harripersaud.
Harripersaud was the first to go, caught at mid-on off the bowling of Vignesh for 3 with the score on 9. The talented Tyrell Dat batting at number 3 after striking three beautiful boundaries played across the line and departed for 17 runs, with the score on 63. Kumar Dindial coming in at number 4, struck a boundary and departed the next delivery caught at long-off, off the bowling of Faraz.
The veteran Saheed Mohamed came in follow a wide delivery and was caught for 6 by the wicket keeper sticking his right glove out. The score was then 92 for 4 and Enmore in a bit of trouble. Meanwhile the dependable Safraz Ali was still there and joining him at the crease was Shivraj Jainarine and the two would plunder Phantoms attack to the tune of a partnership of 209 runs.
Safraz Ali in reaching his 50 that included 9 fours, continue to his fourth century of the season, meanwhile Jainarine was coming into his own stride. Safraz on reaching his ton launched into an aggressive mood and punish the helpless Phantom attack to all parts of the ground.
Shivraj Jainarine stroke an unbeatean 102, his first career ton.
One of his many shots that stood out was a classical on drive for 6 that landed on the Grand Central Parkway. Luckily it did not strike any vehicle. Safraz Ali, who was running out of gas, played a tireless shot and was caught at deep extra cover for 149 that include 23 fours and 2 sixes.
Currently Safraz Ali is the player with the most runs the league.
Rohan Ramdass then joined Jainarine who was on the way to his maiden century. With two overs to go and Jainarine on 86, he would hit a 4, 1, 6, 4 and a single to reach the milestone that of his first career hundred. Jainarine was undefeated on 102 that include 13 fours and 2 sixes. Rohan Ramdass was left on 12 not out. Enmore would end up with 367 for the loss of 5 wickets, which is probably the highest team total for the season.
Bowling for Phantoms Wajid took 2 for 46, Faraz 2 for 74 and Vignesh 1 for 6 were the most successful bowlers.
The tireless Phantoms, with their players observing the holy month of Ramadan succumbed to the bowling of USA under 15 leg spinner Brandon Dat and 13-year-old off spinner Nicholas Harripersaud for a paltry 134.
Stand in skipper, Saheed Mohamed persist with bowling Brandon Dat despite being expensive, Asif of Phantoms were severe on Dat but eventually won the battle in the end and had Asif caught on the mid-wicket boundary by substitute fielder Jason Jainarine for a well-played 65, that include 7 fours and 3 sixes. Meanwhile 13-year-old Nicholas spun web around the other batsmen. Brandon ended up taking 5 for 48 and Nicholas clean bowled 3 batsmen for 19. Pacey Mahadeo Montana also chipped in with 2 for 30.
Young left-arm spinner Brandon Dat picked up 5 wickets against Phantoms.
Phantoms were bowled out for 134 in 26 overs with Asif 65, Vignesh 17 and Atif 12 been the contributors.
Members of Enmore team would like to thank Rishi for his monetary awards, that of $100.00 each to Safraz Ali and Shivraj Jainarine for their centuries, Brandon Dat for his 5 wickets haul and Pacey Montana for his 5 wickets haul the previous match against East Side Warrior. Safraz also received another $300.00 for his previous 3 centuries.