A belligerent innings from Chandrapaul Hemraj and a four-wicket haul from Gajanand Singh spurred Phoenix Cricket Club to a 10-wicket win over Majestic Cricket Club Saturday in the New York National Cricket League/ Cricket Zone T20 Cup.
Majestic scampered to 103 all out in 16.2 overs after winning the toss and batting. However, Hemraj, who came into the tournament after playing in the Caribbean Premier League.
Nepal-based Everest Premier League muscled his team to 105 without loss in 6.5 overs.
The 27-year-old left-handed opener smashed 10 sixes and four boundaries during his brutal 80 not out that came from just 24 balls. Hemraj was especially brutal on Suraj Seepaul whom he struck for five sixes in the fourth over as Phoenix raced to 90 at the end of the powerplay.
At the other end sharing the unbroken century-stand was fellow national all-rounder, Akshaya Persaud, who played the supporting role with 20 not out from 17 balls, with one six and two fours.
Earlier when Majestic batted, Chris Patandin was run out by Persaud in the first over to set the tone of their innings.
Nicholas Ramrattan, batting at number 10, top scored with 25 not out from 13 balls, decorated with four boundaries. He added 42 crucial runs for the last wicket with Mark Pooran who made 15.
Troy Halley and Karamchand Ramnarine were the only other batsmen to reach double figures with 24 and 18 respectively while Phoenix gifted 14 extras.
Phoenix’s bowling was dominated by a Guyanese quartet, led by Singh. The 34-year-old left-hander, Singh who made his debut for the United States of America in One Day Internationals last month returned 4-14.
Out-of-favour West Indies legspinner, Devendra Bishoo and Persaud picked up two wickets each while Hemraj capped a splendid all-round display, picking up 1-10 with his left-arm spin.
