National all-rounder, Akshaya Persaud guided Phoenix Cricket Club to back-to-back wins in the New York Cricket League/Cricket Zone T20 Cup Saturday with a pair of four-wicket hauls.
The left-arm spinner ensured Phoenix a nine-wicket win over Queens Blaster at Flushing before leading them to a 29-run victory over Jazba.
In the first match, Queens won the toss and opted to bat but Persaud’s four wickets for just seven runs bundled the out for 83 in 19.2 overs. Phoenix then raced to 86 for one in 5.4 overs in reply.
Persaud was complemented by countrymen, Avi Dhanpaul and Jonathan Rampersaud with two wickets each for six and 10 runs respectively while Gudakesh Motie also bagged a pair of wickets for 28 runs.
Manvir Singh top scored with 23 from 37 balls while Musa Jamal made 13 and extras accounted for 12 runs.
Persaud returned to give Phoenix a solid start with 30 from 14 balls. His innings was highlighted by two sixes and three fours and he added 57 runs for the opening partnership with Randall Wilson who made 21 not out from 10 balls. Jonathan Foo quickly wrapped up the innings with a six and two fours to finish on 15 not out. Queens did not help themselves, giving away 20 extras.
In the second contest, Phoenix won the toss and took first strike, posting 130 for eight in 20 overs. Jazba were only able to make 101 all out in their quota.
Persaud was the principal wicket-taker with 4-26 and was supported by fellow left-arm spinner, Motie who ended with 3-14.
Haider Ali top scored with 44 not out. His 43-ball innings was decorated with three sixes and a four. Arbab Awan (18) and Muhammad Zubair (13) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.
Earlier, Wilson inspired Phoenix with two sixes and three fours in 42 from 31 balls. He got support from Motie (15) and Foo (12). Phoenix was aided by 22 extras.
Naeem Arif and Awais Butt picked up two wickets.
