Some members of Smart Choice team poses with winning trophy.
2013 US Cricket Open Tournament
Cricket Council USA (CCUSA) has congratulated Smart Choice for winning the 2103 US Cricket Open tournament. Lead by former USA national captain Steve Massiah, Smart Choice defeated Miami Raptors in the final by 13 runs in a match that was broadcast live on MaqTV from Central Broward Regional Park Cricket Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida.
The two teams qualified for the finals after topping their respective groups in the preliminary rounds and winning their games in the payoffs, quarter-finals and semi-finals. The 5th Annual US Cricket Open comprised forty (40) teams combined with international, national and local players who converged on beautiful South Florida to compete for the Championship Trophy and first prize of $50,000.00 (US).
Mr. Mohammad A. Qureshi, CEO of CCUSA stated: “The players and officials will have their names indelibly etched into the record books for competing in the 2013 US Cricket Open. The final was played in the true spirit of the game, and was it was an exciting match between two competitive teams. Congratulations also go to Miami Raptors, captained by former Guyana and USA national player Lennox Cush. Smart Choice and Miami Raptors provided the fans in South Florida and those watching the live broadcast coverage on MaqTV with a thrilling and nail biting finish in the finals.”
During the 4-day cricket extravaganza, eighty (80) games were played at nine venues in the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area. In the finals, Miami Raptors won the tossed and elected to field. Smart Choice were dismissed for 110 in 19.5 overs, with USA national representative Sushil Nadkarni scoring 36 from 37 balls including 1 four and 2 sixes. Majid Rizvi scored 17 whilst extras contributed a whopping 23 runs. Bowling for Miami Raptors, Wilden Cornwall took two for 5, Esuan Crandon two for 21, Masood Mohammad two for 20 and Mukesh Persad two for 27. Trinidad and West Indies from leg spinner Dave Mohammed got one for 14. Mohammed also recorded the first hat-trick for tournament in the preliminary rounds.
In reply, Miami Raptors scored 97 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs with captain Lennox Cush hitting a determined 40 from 44 balls including 3 fours and 2 sixes. Other useful contributes came from Wilden Cornwall and Derwin Christain scoring 15 runs respectively. Bowling for Smart Choice, USA national player Usman Shuja bagged three for 23 and Shazan Babwah grabbed two for 17. Muhammad Ghous took one for 12 and Timroy Allen one for 21.
Mr. Jeff Miller, tournament event manager said: “Thanks to all the teams that participated in the 2013 US Cricket Open. It was a pleasure to work with the teams in making this year tournament a great success.” Miller further stated, “I also want to thank our sponsors for the support provided during the tournament. Special thanks to the management and staff of Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, the official sports medicine provided for the US Cricket Open. The players appreciate the services provided during the tournament.”
CCUSA extends a thank you to the match officials, ground staff, CricHQ, Cricket Show, Global Motion Solutions and the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the US Cricket Open a great success.
The 2014 US Cricket Open is scheduled for December 4-7, 2014. For further information, email info@cricketcouncilusa.com or call 561-392-4800.