Former national under-19 opener, Alex Algoo struck two sensational centuries for New York Thunderbolts in the Commonwealth Cricket League Premier in the United States of America.
At Randall’s Island, Algoo inspired Thunderbolts to an eight-wicket win over New York’s Finest. Asked to bat, NY’s Finest posted 239 for seven from their allotted 30 overs while Thunderbolts needed just 18.2 overs to reach 242 for two.
Algoo struck a record 22 sixes and nine fours during his 60-ball 182. The left-hander added 100 for the opening wicket with Sid Chinta who was a mere spectator, scoring 18 from 20 balls before being dismissed. Algoo then shared another even 100-run partnership for the second wicket with Atif Butt who, much like Chinta, was a spectator as he chipped in with 11. Gaurav Jayaswal (15) and extras (14) complemented Algoo’s feat.
Finest were able to reach a respectable total after Kabir Lutful top scored with 75, having struck seven sixes and three fours during his 62-ball innings.
With their side 21 for two, Lutful was joined by Manpreet Singh to put on 118 for the third wicket. Singh went on to make 48 from 54 balls with his innings highlighted by three sixes and two fours.
Baljit Singh ensured his side a 200-run plus score with a blistering 27-ball 63 not out. He struck seven sixes and two fours while sharing a 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Davinder Singh (13). Manu Sharma and Umer Shah took three wickets each. Later at the same venue, Algoo scored another ton to see his team register a seven-wicket win over New York Cricket Club. NYCC won the toss and opted to take first strike where they posted 203 for eight in their 30-over quota. Thunderbolts then reached 204 for three in 19.4 overs. Algoo hammered 14 sixes and four fours as he reached 108 in just 38 balls. Alongside Imraj Raja, Algoo piled on 134 for the first wicket before being stumped off of Wasiq Ali (2-40).
Raja stroked seven sixes and three fours during his unbeaten 70 which came from 50 balls.
When NYCC batted, Ali led from the front with 82 from 66 balls. His innings was laced with four sixes and seven fours while contributions came from Muhammad Ali (33), Hassan Awais (25) and Bilal Shahid (21).
Algoo also took 3-40 while Raja and Ravish Khanchi took two wickets each.
