New York Softball Cricket
By Morris Seecharan
It always a match to look forward to as Sunrise plays their former teammates Phantom. Phantom composing of members from Sunrise cricket club founded under Hargo Singh was disheartened as they did not capitalized on their opportunities to even the scores.
Alex Hussain, Harris and Kris Narine of Sunrise cricket club.
As the match started off with a blow to Phantom losing two wickets for no runs it had many twist and turn and dramatic moments as both teams with 2-1 record in their division needed this to win to move ahead.
Sunrise winning the toss sent in Phantom to bat as Kris Narine a veteran of the Sunrise cricket club in his 1st deliver had Ryan Ramjas caught brilliantly at cover by Deryck Basdeo and in his next delivery had Andrew Haniff caught brilliantly at long on by Khemraj as the score read 2 for 0. While opening batsmen Rudy Narine felt his way through Sunrise opening pair picking up few boundaries his partner Satish Boodan did not look comfortable at the crease. Kris struck again in his 3rd over and he bowled Satish with the score 3 for 19 in the 5th overs. N. Seeperaud was explosive as he blasts a 4 and 6 as his batting was cut short by Khemraj Somaru having him caught as the score read 4 for 30 in the 6th over. Rudy who looked comfortable at the crease and was the only one scoring was joined by Sase Narine one of Sunrise veteran who knows take charge and put up fight. At this crucial part of the game Rudy who was batting a classic could not looked for a better leader at the crease as Sase and Rudy took charge of the batting for their team. Hitting timely boundary and scoring freely this pair batted with confidence took the score to 66 for 4 in the 15 overs against a bowling attack that keep coming at them.
Sase and Rudy continued to build on an important partnership as they monopolize putting bad balls away. Although the run rate was not moving in their favor but they put up an important fight. Rudy had his cover drive and deep fine leg stoke was working for him. As Sase seem to be hitting the ball to all part of the parks as his stalwart batting proved vital. With the score at 113 and after a much needed partnership of 83 Rohan Kowlesser had Rudy caught at long off by Rohit Kowlesser.
Rudy batting performance was a gem to watch as he strokes were smooth and punishing with a solid knock of 59. As Sase was left to carry his club he saw Vasquez dismissed by Somaru while Deryck Basdeo struck gold bowling Sase for 52. Sase continued to be a class batsman as he made his stamped as batting leader and lived up to it in this game. With the score 139 for 6 it was still a game for Phantom. However Deryck in his 3rd delivery removed Harold Deokinanan and right after Rohit dismissed Terry Sital with the score 148 for 9 in the 27 overs. Amit Doma joined Javed Salim as they manged to take the score to 160 all out. It was favorable batting ending for Phantom and an important partnership come comeback.
Kris Narine bowling with intelligence was superb as he lead Sunrise bowling with figures of 3 for 23, and Khemraj Somaru was brilliant with 2 for 20 along with Deryck Basdeo 2 for 20
Rohit Kowlesser and Roopnarine Dayal, Surnise captain open the batting and raced away with the score as Rohit was dealing with boundaries against Phantom opening bowler J. Salim. Amit Doma the other opening bowler was more confident as he removed Rohit with the score 34 for 1 in the 4th over. Wahab Hussain, Sunrise vice captain joined Dayal as they both fight off penetrating bowling of the duo Harrold and Vasquez. Dayal fighting played a shot right back to Harold as he was caught with while Selwyn Cheong did not last for long he was caught off of Vasquez.
Phantom bowler fought back taking with the score 3 for 50 the 9th overs as Sunrise batsman was confronted to battle. Wahab who was batting well was joined by Deryck Basdeo whose batting performance was a treat to watch. As this pair picked up the pace of the batting hitting numerous boundaries kept up the run rate chipping away at their target. Both batsmen took advantage of the loose bowling as they concentrated on building a much needed partnership. Wahab and Deryck batting aggression turn the pressure on Phantom. After position the game to comfortable position and cruising along in the over 15 overs Deryck was caught at the boundary of Sase for 26 with the score at 107. After a pivotal 57 runs partnership with Wahab this game was almost seal with 53 runs needed in 15 over as the score end at 108 for 4 and Sunrise batsmen in full control of this game.
Wahab started the second half striking the ball to cover but he was brilliantly thrown out by Vasquez. Harris Khemlall joined by Antonio Dallai who was bowled by Vasquez with the score at 129 for 6. Khemraj Somaru joined Harris and as they continue the fast scoring however Khemraj running with a bad leg was ran out with the score 146 for 7 in the 21 over. Harris played an important role holding an end as he was joined by young Alex Hussain, one of Sunrise up and coming stars. Alex took Sase Narine for a six to deep mid wick for a six as the Sunrise camp uproar.
Javed, Phantom Captain had only 9 runs left to deal with as Alex took him high to midwicket again as Vasquez moving to his left settled under it seeing the ball bounced right out his hands for a boundary for four. With the run tie Alex blasted another boundary to deep backward square as this young man made it look easy wining Phantom score in 23 overs. It was a joyous victory and as Alex put the icing on the cake blasting 14 not out off 3 balls, and Harris Khemlall was key to hold down the side for Sunrise had a crucial know of 17 not out.
Once more the Phantom of the Sunrise family cricket club walked away with defeat but not after fighting a battle and sure will return with vengeance the next time they meet their old teammates. However Sunrise batsmen made the target look simple as they were ahead of the run rate from the get go.
Leonard Vasquez bowling was remarkable with the figure of 2 for 20 as Harold Deokinanan was no less with 1 for 21 while Amit Doma and Sase Narine had 1 wicket each.