They came in in 6th place in 2018, but the Bachan Cricket Club continued to persevere; and in the 2019 edition of the New York National Cricket League, their perseverance has booked them a spot in the finals, after they dominated Phoenix CC in their semifinal matchup over the weekend.
The victorious Bachan
In the 30-over fixture, Phoenix elected to bat first, and set a mammoth total for their opponents. Throughout the season, they have distinguished themselves by setting competitive totals while batting first, and for being able to defend it with their disciplined bowling and fielding.
Opening the batting, Hemindra Ramdihal and Andy Mohammed were sent back to the pavilion with the score on 2-21. With the opposition already off to a horrid start, Bachan continued to nip away at their batting lineup, forcing them on the defensive with the total at 6-88 in over 15.6.
Trinson Carmichael was able to compile a patient 32-ball 40, while tail-ender Keeran Krishna spanked an 18-ball 29 that included 4 boundaries and 1 maximum.
Other that those two scores, no other batsman was able to make any contribution to the Phoenix cause, and the team’s innings folded for 138 in 25.4 overs.
Bowling for Bachan, Mark Tyrell took 3-32, Anand Deodat 2-31, Subhas Persaud 2-0, and Derick Narine, Sudesh Dhaniram and Beejai Somai each bagged one wicket.
Needing a small total of 139 for victory, the Bachan unit went about their task unitedly, and they made light work of the total to book their spot in the finals.
Opener Steven Ramoutar top-scored with 38, which included 5 fours. A few wickets tumbled at the half way stage to put Phoenix back in the game with the score on 4-88, but Anand Persaud and Andrew Budhu formed an unbreakable partnership and took Bachan over the line.
They remained unbeaten on 29 and 24 runs respectively. Bachan chased the score down in 25.2 overs to end on 141-4.
The final will be played on September 21, when Bachan takes on Richmond Hill Liberty at the Basiley Pond.
