The New York National Cricket League’s Tropix Lounge Division 2 25-Overs competition commenced on April 27 with a notable nod to history. Echoing an event from three years earlier, a distinguished former Guyanese women’s national player once again took the field, representing NextGen XI in the season opener at Queens’ renowned Idlewild Cricket Ground.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, NextGen XI, under the leadership of captain Jaden Ramlakhan, delivered a commanding performance. They dismissed SMS Cricket Club for a modest 87 runs in just 20 overs. Kyle Kowlessar spearheaded the attack with an impressive 5-wicket haul for 17 runs across 5 overs. Teneshwar Naraine provided effective support, claiming 4 wickets for 19 runs in his 5 overs, while Melanie Henry concluded the innings with 1 wicket for 12 runs in 2 overs. Despite the collapse, SMS captain Gurnoor Raju showcased resilience, remaining unbeaten with a steady 31 off 33 balls.
In pursuit of 88 runs, NextGen XI faced early challenges but managed a composed chase. Rahul Baijnath anchored the innings with an unbeaten 23, while Ramlakhan contributed a vital 17 off 17 balls. The team achieved its target in 21.5 overs, securing a 2-wicket victory and marking a successful start to their season.
Reflecting on the win, NextGen XI founder Daryl Heerasingh emphasized the team’s mission: “NextGen XI is about giving youth players — often overlooked or used as fill-ins — a real opportunity to develop their skills. We also hope to inspire the growth of women’s cricket across the New York region.”
This opening match not only highlighted emerging talent but also underscored the league’s commitment to inclusivity and the development of cricket in the region.
