In the Twenty20 clash of the 2024 Minor League Cricket hosted at Mercer County Park, Pitch 4, on September 1st, the New Jersey Somerset Cavaliers emerged victorious against the NYC Titans by a substantial margin of 78 runs utilizing the D/L method. The Cavaliers’ success was primarily driven by an outstanding batting display and efficient bowling.
Following a successful toss, the New Jersey Somerset Cavaliers chose to bat first. They achieved an impressive total of 159/2 within their allotted 16 overs. Gajanand Singh anchored the innings with an explosive 57 not out scored from merely 27 deliveries, featuring three fours and six sixes, resulting in a remarkable strike rate of 211.11. Kennar Kevon Lewis added substantial support with an unbeaten 56 from 43 balls, including five boundaries and four sixes. Chandrapaul Hemraj also made a significant contribution with a brisk 28 off 18 balls before being dismissed by Keshav Raval, the sole NYC Titans bowler to secure wickets, concluding with figures of 3-0-30-2. Nevertheless, the NYC Titans’ bowlers faced challenges overall, as Viral Parekh and Ravish Khanchi allowed runs at over 10 per over.
In their chase, the NYC Titans struggled under the pressure, managing only 85/9 in their 16 overs, falling significantly short of the target. Their innings lacked rhythm, with wickets tumbling at consistent intervals. Aashish Katipally was the lone bright spot, scoring 30 off 29 balls, which included three fours and two sixes. However, his efforts were insufficient to guide his team to a win.
The Cavaliers’ bowlers overpowered the Titans’ batting order, with Syed Najaf Shah and Gajanand Singh spearheading the attack. Najaf Shah was particularly menacing, collecting 3 wickets for just 8 runs in his 3 overs, while Gajanand Singh also secured 3 wickets, conceding 19 runs in his 2 overs. The bowling unit of the Cavaliers received vital support from Vraj Tarak Desai and Chandrapaul Hemraj, each contributing with a wicket.
In the end, the New Jersey Somerset Cavaliers attained a decisive victory by 78 runs (D/L method). Gajanand Singh was deservedly honored as the Man of the Match for his exceptional all-around performance, playing a key role with both bat and ball in his team’s triumph.
Image Source: Somerset Cavaliers @ Instagram