Panthers Sweep Brooklyn, League, KO And T20

Posted on October 4, 2012 by vellocricket

Salik Iqbal score two T20 centuries to take Panther to the BCL T20 Crown. Photo by Mark Audain

Brooklyn Panthers followed up wins in League and Knock Out competitions with triumph in the Brooklyn League Twenty20 play. Panthers had to overcome season’s challengers Middlesex in the semifinals on Saturday. Batting first Panthers piled up 189/7 with Salik Iqbal scorching 110, his second consecutive T20 hundred. Iqbal’s knock include eight boundaries and seven sixes as Middlesex were left wounded. Shabaz Najam played a cameo for 25, with Andre Kirton 2/21, Adam Sanford 2/40 Joseph Ledwridge 1/30 and Freedie Roopchand 1/32 among the wickets.

Middlesex made a game of it as Jacob Emmanuel played some lusty shots for his 59 which included five fours and a six. Support from Kirton 29 and Ledwridge 23 was not sufficient as Middlesex fell 21 runs short. Nousherwan Adil with 3/22 and Asim Shahzad 2/28 were the pick of the bowlers for Panthers in route to their third final on the season. Middlesex 168/8 in another semifinal defeat, a third this season.

A day later on September 30th, Panthers meet Cavaliers for the T20 crown. After winning the toss Panthers batted first like they did on Saturday against Middlesex. Salik scored 39 but Abdul Quyyam 44 and cameos by Salman Ahmad and Bilal Adil 25 each ensured an imposing target of 185 was posted. For Cavaliers Chris Myers 2/35 and Michael Providence 2/27 were the pick of the bowlers. Unlikely Middlesex, Cavaliers succumb to the jaws of the Panthers with only Ezekiel Williams 41 and Timothy Warner 30 offering any resistance, bowled out for 105. Salman Ahmad 4/19 with his eyes on the prize a fitting man of the match perfomance. Najam had 2/7 as Panthers won by 80 runs to take the Brooklyn League Twenty20 Championship and a third BCL trophy this season.

Panthers Brooklyn Cricket League Triple Crown Winners 2012

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Preview Champions League With Your Own DVDs

Posted on October 3, 2012 by vellocricket

Preview Champions League T20 with your own DVD’s from CL T20 2009, 2010 and 2011. To order call 917-266-5395 or email shipping details to vellocricket@hotmail.com.

Matches Price
Victoria vs Delhi, Diamond vs New South Wales $8.99
Bangalore vs Otago,  NSW vs Sussex, Somerset vs Trinidad $8.99
Cape Cobras vs Otago, Deccan vs Somerset, Challengers vs Vic $8.99
Somerset vs Trinidad full match $8.99
Trinidad vs Diamond Eagles full match $8.99
Delhi vs Wyamba full match $8.99
Otago vs Cape Cobras full match $8.99
Otago vs Challengers full match $8.99
Bangalore vs Cape Cobras full match $8.99
Deccan vs Somerset full match $8.99
New South Wales vs Eagles full match $8.99
Trinidad vs Cape Cobras Semi final $8.99
New South Wales vs Victoria Semi final $8.99
Trinidad vs New South Wales Final $8.99
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American Cricket Lows 2012

Posted on October 2, 2012 by vellocricket

by Dyon Ravello

As we review the shortcomings of the last season, 2011-2012, we look forward that these faults may inspire and motivate us for 2013.

USACA
Right at the top, United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) failed to host a single domestic tournament. The last tournament hosted by USACA was the Women’s National Championships in New York summer 2011.  Last Men’s tournament, National Twenty20 (T20) spring 2011 in New Jersey, Atlantic Region. For youth tournaments memory does not do justice. National under fifteen (U-15) comes to mind. In 2011 USA participated in Under Nineteen (U-19) World Cup Qualifying without a single national tournament. The event closest to a tournament or a trial was America’s five-match walloping by Kraigg Brathwaite and the West Indians.

In 2012 Team USA, journeyed to Dubai to contest World T20 qualifying and like America’s qualification to Division Three there were no trials or release of a trial squad. As T20 bazaars continue to spring across the planet, USACA are perched on the 50 states hosting T20 fanfare of an American pedigree. However these dreams and ambitions have come at a cost.  Without National Tournaments, Trials and USACA sanctioned tournaments; morale at the domestic level continues to remain at an all time low.

Yes American cricket lovers may be buoyed by the exploits of Malaysia, but the euphoria, which is brought about by advancement, is not re-vibrated across the populous. Bermuda is approximately six months away with most American cricketers hibernating throughout winter. Dear USACA what are the plans for the spring trip to the Northern Atlantic? A weekend tournament, which serves as a rub stamp screening for potential picks? A privately held trial where only the players and those in close circle know who are under consideration? Will there be a transparent event where a committed American coach rather than a global tour guide screens the players selected?

There is an inherent need for programs for our national players one that is documented and transparent. Looking at the Caribbean, all trials are published with the scores, results, dates and locations. As for the Shah of USACA, Robin Singh that is, as he continues to reign, his commitment leaves lot to be desired. Singh is currently the Dada with Mumbai in the IPL, far reaches for ICC Division Three, but one can safely say the Trinidadian born coach is anything but a tour guide for the Indians.

Court Dates

Brooklyn League began the season engulfed in a dispute with as much as 10 teams from the 18 team league.  The disputing teams, penalized for the failure to participate in the 75th anniversary celebrations. In April with mere weeks to go before the first card of the season, the core teams including League Champs Punjab and Twenty20 Winners Jinnah purpose to remit the financial participation, in hope of contesting the 2012 season. With talks at a standstill the group retained legal consult leading to arbitration. Brooklyn League was contest with only nine participants as justice took its course, albeit without the reigning champs.

American League was summoned to the halls of the justice system as St. Catherine seeks retribution from a league decision against them. St. Catherine played five foreign-based players exceeding the leagues limit of two. St. Catherine’s injunction halted the league indefinitely mid August leaving some of New York’s best cricket grounds dormant at season’s end.

Double Agents

Umpires again faced the brunt of player discord in 2012. Falcons verbally abused the officials on more that one occasion. So too Liberty Sports were forced to expel then club captain due to unsporting conduct directed at the umpire. Then there were the umpires who continued to cut matches, cutting as much as 10 overs for a 15-minute delay. Literally creating multiple leagues in a 40 over competition.

In less that three short months 2013 will be upon us, what action plans, will American cricket take to lift the game for the upcoming talent? Talent as good as anywhere in the world.

 

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Windies Need A Win In Virtual Quarterfinal

Posted on September 30, 2012 by vellocricket

by Dyon Ravello

Poor Badree, the most economical bowler in West Indies’ solitary win at the T20 World Cup this Year. Badree was limited to a spectator as he watched Sammy and Co. toiled at the blades of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. Even as the batting did not provide the impetus for a more competitive total, the bowling was spineless. Apart for Rampaul scalping Dilshan at the wicket all the bowlers were flat and lacked penetration.

Looking back to the England match, Sammy and Ramdin would have been the likely candidates for sitting out against the host. Please lets not forget Sammy is the captain. One must say, Sammy and or Gibson must justify why Badree did not make the eleven. Comparing Narine to Badree, Narine has had more exposure at the international level however Badree is a consistent performer. Narine has be ordinary all tournament like his skipper Sammy. Badree’s leg spin would have addition a different dimension to the West Indian bowling attack.

Jayawardene employed variety for the start, using seamer Angelo Matthews at the start stretch the usefulness of lasith Malinga. In between the quicks Ajantha Mendis proved his worth with three strikes to retard the West Indian momentum, Jeevan Mendis and Rangana Herath provide ample spin support as Kulasekera closed out the innings with a creditable display alongside his fellow pacers.

Sammy did the exact opposite, without Badree to accompany Rampaul with the new ball, Sammy had to utilize, straight swap Fidel Edwards. That decision backfired as Edwards was taken for three consecutive boundaries first up. Narine was predictably introduced at the site of Jayawardena’s carnage to no effect. To add insult to injury Sammy’s military medium had no effect on the festive Lanka mood.

On a pitch where the Sri Lankas harbored variation to restrict the Caribbean side. It is befuddling that; Mr Sammy and General Gibson were unimaginative in their tactics. Badree aside, Dwayne Bravo, one of the regions most penetrative Seamers and arguably the best West Indian all rounder is yet to bowl all tournament.  Similarly Keiron Pollard’s leg cutters of the medium pace variety have not been summoned. The there is Lendl Simmons who has a four-fer with the ball at the last T20 World Cup, he too is yet to figure in the starting eleven.

Now the maroon men find themselves in an all too familiar position, with a virtual Quarterfinal against the Kiwis. During the Super Eight, the action has been anything but mundane the Kiwis holding the host till the Super over, Pakistan’s recovery to edge South Africa, as well as convincing win by Australia and Sri Lanka over India and West Indies respectively. New Zealand will need a win over the Windies as well as a Sri Lanka victory over the English. As for the Windies and the Lions only wins will be sufficient to book to a semifinal berth.

Gibson will be left with a lot to contemplate against the Kiwis, as the New Zealanders will fancy dumping the West Indies, still fresh from Caribbean thrashing. Simmons, Badree should be foremost in mind, with Edwards and Ramdin the most likely candidates. Call you eleven, VC predicts: Darren Sammy, Chris Gayle, Johnson Charles, Lendl Simmons, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Bravo, Keiron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul and Samuel Badree.

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A Bravo Beenie Must See

Posted on September 28, 2012 by vellocricket
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Everest/ACS Face Richmond Hill In EACA Blitz Final

Posted on September 27, 2012 by vellocricket

Everest/ACS vs. Meten-Meer-Zorg

As the lack-luster Atlantis performance receded into the early afternoon, the anticipation rose with the second match of the semi-finals series featuring the veteran Everest/ACS XI vs. a rising young powerhouse Meten-Meer-Zorg, with the latter hungry to etch its name into the annals of EACA records.

 

With US national player Azurdeen “Andy” Mohamed missing from its line up Meten-Meer-Zorg must have felt as though it was entering the match against Everest/ACS wearing only a one-side sock. However, batting first, the troublesome but productive Meten-Meer-Zorg would be up to the challenge, even if the opponent is one as experienced as Everest/ACS. Last Sunday was no different, Andy Mohamed or no Andy Mohamed.

 

Meten-Meer-Zorg, led by Ajaz Asgarally would lose its first wicket with the score at 13, with wickets falling regularly at two and four over intervals thereafter. Meten-Meer-Zorg struggled to put together quality partnerships and surely missed Andy Mohamed. Some questioned why the experienced club mentor and the day’s skipper Ajaz Asgarally did not bat up in the order. Nonetheless responsible knocks did come off the bats of USA national Under-19 batsman Amarnauth Persaud, 26 (1×6, 2x4s), with Saud Hussain, 25 not out and Hemendra Ramdihall, also with 25 (2x6s, 2x4s). Meten-Meer-Zorg posted 152 for 7 in their 20 overs at an asking rate of 7.60 per over.

 

The Meten-Meer-Zorg wickets fell at 13-1 (R. Islam 0.4 overs), 34-2 (D. Baksh 4.3 overs), 44-3 (K. Nandkumar 6.2 overs), 77-4 (G. Meyer 10.6 0vers), 82-5 (A. Persaud 12.2 overs), 119-6 (T. Ross 17.3 overs), 152-7 (H. Ramdihall 19.6 overs). Bowling for Everest/ACS: Saheed Amin with 3 for 25 was the pick of the bowlers with Zamin Amin and Terry Hastoo each grabbing two wickets apiece at a cost of 23 and 33 runs respectively.

 

Would Everest/ACS be able to overhaul the asking rate of 7.60 an over? That was the question on the other side of The Cage, as the gathered pundits wagered the chances of a brash young Meten-Meer-Zorg going forward to meet Richmond Hill in the T20 Blitz finals.

 

Everest/ACS led by the youthful Karan Ganesh and mentored by the veteran Zamin Amin started their quest to another championship final on a similar note, losing their first wicket that of Steve Nowrangilall, 8, with the score on 14. They would lose their second wicket 37 runs later in the sixth over, and a very valuable one in Tamesh Balwant, 22 off 16 deliveries (1×4, 1×6), but still one wicket ahead of their opponent at the same stage. Opener Aun Merchant with 26 off 30 balls (2x4s, 1×6) was intent on staying at the middle while stroking the ball around for the ones and twos. Joined by Gregory Sewdial, 22 off 21 balls, they contributed to building a pathway to an Everest/ACS victory, with Zamin Amin’s contribution of 18 off 12 balls (3x4s) contributing significantly. However, it was the inning of another veteran Terry Hastoo, 36 off 13 deliveries (4x6s, 1×4) and batting at number eight that electrified the crowd. The batsman took the Meten-Meer-Zorg bowling to task, punishing anything short and wide. He was particularly disdainful on young Amarnauth Persaud, hitting the bowler for three sixes on his way to the match-winning performance and his team’s tally of 153 for 6 in 18.3 overs.

 

The Everest/ACS wickets fell at 14-1 (S. Nowrangilall 1.6 overs). 51-2 (T. Balwant 6.5 overs), 79-3 (A. Merchant 11.3 overs), 88-4 (G. Sewdial 12.6 overs), 115-5 (Z. Amin 15.4 overs), 115-6 (K. Ganesh* 15.5 overs). Bowling for Meten-Meer-Zorg: Young Trevis Ross with figures of 4-0-26-3 was the pick, as Z. Majeed and H. Ramdihall each snared one wicket apiece.

 

So, with a per over response of 8.27, Everest/ACS had convincingly thwarted the efforts of the up and coming legends Meten-Meer-Zorg in a nail-biting finish, that in retrospect does not appear quite that way because of the flourishes of sixes executed by Terry Hastoo in the waning moments of the match. With a cameo appearance as a substitute fieldsman Andy Mohamed would feature in one catch, but some diving efforts to stem the flow of runs from the willows of the Everest/ACS batsmen. It would not be enough, as the young US player saw his team’s season come to a halt without him making a more creditable contribution.

 

Coming to a Cage near you soon…

Everest/ACS vs. Richmond Hill, two of the EACA’s best will lock horns to the delight of those on the other side of the one-block fenced battleground, this Sunday, September 30th.

 

Everest/ACS is no stranger to the winners’ roll and this Sunday should be no different, or would it? With a core group of veterans; Trevor Walke, Saheed Amin, Terry Hastoo and Zamin Amin, the squad is a mix of youth and experience with guys like Tamesh Balwant and Amjad Khan somewhere in the middle. It’s a mix that has served them well over the past 2-3 seasons. Richmond Hill on the other hand also has experienced players in the Sankar and Sadloo brothers, Deryck McDonald, the prolific Imran Ali, and skipper Ramphal Bactowar. Will experience overcome the indelible mix of Everest/ACS? It’s left to be seen.

 

One thing is sure, both teams will play competitive cricket and the split group of fans will be entertained on Sunday. Which team will win? The team that plays the harder cricket will emerge victorious, because although not matched man-for-man, the two squads have warriors with different skill-sets. There is no doubt that Everest/ACS would open with their money-ballers Trevor Walke and Saheed Amin who will swing the ball with a mixture of flight, deception and guile, however players like Debo Sankar and Tamesh “Cambio” Balwant are comfortable enough to play through. Last weekend Everest/ACS’ batsmen showed some kinks in their armor and a propensity to go over the top. If the Richmond Hill bowlers can exploit such flaws, the momentum will swing in Richmond Hill’s favor.

 

On paper, the better-balanced team nod should go to Everest/ACS; however, if a Richmond Hill XI shows up with the same determination like last Sunday against Atlantis, then the pendulum swings definitely in favor of the Bactowar-led XI. What does Everest/ACS need to do to emerge victorious and champions for the umpteenth time? Everest/ACS’ middle order will have to stand up and bat and not depend upon stalwarts like Terry Hastoo and Zamin Amin to pull them out of any holes. Everest/ACS has the better all-round side and youth on paper, but victory will only be theirs depending upon which Richmond Hill XI shows up.

 

May the best team win!

 

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Audain 41 (18) BCL T20 KO, Clip Of The Week

Posted on September 26, 2012 by vellocricket

 

Roll Back: Brooklyn League, Mayors Cup Winners

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Aspiring Queens Musicians Flows With velloCricket

Posted on September 24, 2012 by vellocricket
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Do or Die T20 As Windies Faces Simmons and the Irish

Posted on September 24, 2012 by vellocricket

Samuel Badree new ball leggies could be key to West Indian T20 success

West Indies scored the highest total of the 2012 T20 world cup to date, only to lose the rain affected encounter. Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels both score fifties to back the pre-tournament billing “favorites” to lead their side to 191. However the bowling department’s fraility and inconsistency was showed up by the merciless and cavaliers stroke play first from David Warner then by Watson and Hussey. After posting an imposing total the West Indian attack look spineless as both pace and spin felt the full brunt of the Aussies blitz. Not even the rain could spare the West Indian from defeat. 

Darren Sammy’s tactics on the day we found wanting, as one will wonder why Samuel Badree was not in the start line up. With two previous visits to the sub-continent Badree has developed into a threatening new ball spinner. Especially with David Warner opening the batting any captain should want to have as much spin at the left-hander. Sunil Narine, Fidel Edward and Sammy tried to keep things tight but the back up was non-existent. On a day when earlier wickets would have made a difference, Gibson and Co will use this defeat as a wake up call going into the final group match against the Irish.

The Irish who detest the term minnows, will be keen to bounce the “tournament favorites” to put more argument to the anti-minnow campaign. West Indies will be mindful to avoid another embarrassing display at a major tournament. Do not expect too many changes, one maybe two at most.  VelloCricket Team Predictor of Monday’s Do or Die Clash:

Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo,  Chris Gayle, Dwayne Smith, Johnson Charles, Marlon Samuels, Keiron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Sunil Narine, Samuel Badree, Fidel Edwards

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Richmond Hill Trash Atlantis To Blitz Into EACA T20 Final

Posted on September 23, 2012 by vellocricket

By Dyon Ravello

Richmond Hill has been showing signs of their ability to feature as one of the clubs to be reckoned with in the Eastern American Cricket Association.  During the Power 40 Divisional play RHCC rounded up a four match winning streak, turning back eventual winners ACS/Everest and former T20 Champs Big Apple. Atlantis halted the Baisley Club’s push for a place in the EACA Power 40 Semifinals. Richmond Hill regrouped as they opened their EACA T20 Blitz campaign with a victory over former Champions Big Apple. RHCC completed the group phase with comprehensive victories to ensure a new Champion would be crowned in 2012.

At home, at the Cage, Richmond Hill batted first against Atlantis. Wazid Ward thumped three sixes and three boundaries to score 40 off 30 deliveries to give his side a brisk start. Following the fall of the openers, Zaheer Sadloo and Imran Alli combine for a partnership of 91 to distort the Atlantis spirit.  The pair mixed quick running with lusty hitting in a sensible third wicket stand. Zaheer’s 31 from 32 balls include three boundaries. It was Alli’s six maximums which blitzkrieg a seemingly impotent Atlantis bowling line up. Alli followed up his 81 a week earlier with 62 from 32 deliveries at a strike rate of 193.75. Following Alli’s dismissal in the 17th over RHCC piled on 28 runs in the last 15 deliveries to close on 181 for 7.

Atlantis were not entirely out of sorts with pacer Casper Davis Jr completing an impressive spell of 4-0-15-1. There was no support after Davis as the spinners faded like many of the sixes dispatched onto the surrounding street at Baisley. Jason Greaves had 3-0-23-3 with Nicholas Standford and Alex Amsterdam ending with figures of 1/30 each.

In reply Altantis were undone by veteran seamer Deryck Mac Donald who accounted for Ryan Sukhdeo bowled for 3, (19/1) Nicholas Standford leg before for naught (19/2) and Kaveshwar Bridgepaul leg before for a duck (40/4).  Only Henderson Blades with 21 looked anything closed to challenging the RHCC attack but wickets fell at regular intervals to retard the momentum. Prashant Nair had two sixes and a boundary of his own as Atlantis were left to rue what could have been this season, 88 all out in 14.2 overs. For RHCC Mac Donald’s new ball spell of 4-1-18-3 was well supported by Zaheer 3.2-0-21-4 and the Wizard Ward 3-0-19-2.

Richmond Hill continuing to chart the course this season, one that began with a tie on the opening day. EACA T20 blitz final awaits RHCC will play the winner of Meten Meer Zorg and ACS Everest, Sunday 30th 2012 Baisley Park the CAGE.

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