In a powerhouse showdown on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, the NYNCL Saturday Division 1 Finals saw Elite CC square off against defending champions Kingsmen XI. During the regular season, the two sides split their encounters 1-1, but after sweeping past Cricket Boss CC in the semifinals, Kingsmen XI advanced to defend their crown once more.
The final was staged at the historic Baisley Pond, home to many New York National Cricket League (NYNCL) finals. Elite CC won the toss and sent Kingsmen XI in to bat — a decision that proved to be the beginning of the end.
Kingsmen XI posted a strong 175/5 in 25 overs. Young batting sensation Mohamed (Kaif) Shaw — once touted as one of the best youth top-order batsmen while playing alongside USA’s Saiteja Mukkamalla in the youth setup — suffered an unforeseen injury earlier in his career but is now set to make a comeback at the pro level. Shaw crafted a stylish 46 off 41 balls, dealing only in sixes — smashing 3 maximums — to earn Best Batsman of the Finals. Kevin Augustin lit up Baisley Pond with a blazing 39 off 18 balls (2x4s, 4x6s), as shots were picked up from around the trees, while skipper Moien Khan added a quickfire 16 off 4 balls (1×4, 2x6s).
For Elite CC, the wickets were shared by Brandon Paydana (5 overs, 19 runs, 2 wickets) and captain Marlon Persaud (5 overs, 41 runs, 2 wickets). Veterans Michael Sultan and Darrius Andrew, however, went wicketless.
The match then unfolded almost like a carbon copy of the 2024 finals: the opposition won the toss, put Kingsmen XI in to bat, and then collapsed in the chase. This year was no different. The Kingsmen XI bowling attack ripped through Elite CC, bowling them out for the exact same total as last year — 96 runs.
The only resistance for Elite came from Chatram Persaud (35 off 35 balls, 3x4s) and Daniel Pestano (17 off 27 balls). But from the second over onward, wickets began to tumble. Known more for his batting, Arnil Ragdnath stunned with the ball, finishing with 3 wickets for 19 runs in 5 overs to claim Best Bowler honors. Bowling wizard Ansaar “Spyda” Yasim also took 3 wickets in 5 overs, while the fiery Kevin Augustin delivered hostile pace with figures of 2 wickets for 9 runs in 3.3 overs. Elite CC folded in 20.3 overs, managing only 96.
Kevin Augustin walked away with Finals MVP, contributing 39 runs, 2 wickets, and 3 catches — a complete all-round performance.
After many labeled their 2024 title as “beginner’s luck,” Kingsmen XI stamped their authority in 2025, proving they are here to stay as a competitive force in the NYNCL. Captain Moien Khan reflected:
“This team has so much talent, and the talent we’re attracting keeps growing. We won’t be everyone’s cup of tea because of our structure, but those who are serious about cricket will go through the grind — and this is the result.”
