Fans and supporters of New York’s softball cricket have grown accustomed to cheering for their preferred team in late October, as this marks the time for teams to make a final bid for the championship. It’s a common sight in many Premier Division finals to see either Elite (also known as Assassins) or in recent years, Dynasty, two of the top teams in softball cricket today. This trend continued on October 27th, when perfect weather provided a fitting backdrop to wrap up the 2024 season.
Vijai Surajpaul delivered an electrifying performance, scoring a century off just 52 balls, leading Elite to yet another Premier Division title and concluding the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) 2024 season on a high note. Surajpaul displayed his destructive prowess, sending the ball to all corners of the ground.
Dynasty won the toss and opted to have Elite bat first on a dry, flat pitch with a fast outfield.
Eon Ellis (left) and Vijai Surajpaul
Pooran Beria and Jake Wessels opened the innings against bowlers Asif Alli and Murph Seeram. Wessels took an aggressive stance, quickly scoring 19 runs from 8 deliveries before being dismissed by Booby Pahalad. Beria, on the other hand, attempted several reverse sweep shots but struggled to find the boundary, and he lost his partner Devon Sobhai, who was caught by Kenny Narinedat off Nigel Greaves for just 1 run. Surajpaul then entered the fray, and alongside Beria, they worked to elevate the scoring rate.
A miscommunication between the two resulted in Beria being run out for 11 runs. Yumesh Persaud and Surajpaul sparked excitement among the sizable crowd, with commentator Lenny Achaibar and his crew providing lively play-by-play. Surajpaul was fortunate to escape being caught by Ricky Narine when he was on 43. The very next over, he targeted Asif Alli, scoring 22 runs, including three successive sixes, to reach his half-century.
Decisions made by Dynasty’s captain were questionable at times, as using bowlers in single-over spells proved ineffective. By the drinks break after 10 overs, Dynasty had gone through six bowlers while Elite had already amassed 124 runs for 3 wickets. Surajpaul and Persaud continued their partnership, adding an impressive 109 runs for the fourth wicket. Nigel Greaves delivered his fourth over, where he dismissed Sobhai, and in his next over (the sixteenth), he claimed Yumesh Persaud’s wicket for 29 runs. Eon Ellis joined the attack and scored 18 runs in one over.
Ellis and Surajpaul solidified Elite’s position and gradually took command of the game, putting up 73 runs in just 28 balls, with Surajpaul completing his century in 52 balls. Surajpaul ended with a brilliant 112 not out, hitting 8 fours and 9 sixes, while Ellis faced 15 balls, hitting 5 sixes to finish with 43 runs. Elite posted a total of 254 for 5 in their innings, with Nigel Greaves taking 2 wickets for 28 runs, Bobby Pahalad claiming 1 for 31, and Murph Seeram capturing another for 37.
Facing a daunting run chase of over 13 runs per over, Dynasty knew they needed to attack the Elite bowlers from the outset. Siddiq Kayoon started strong against Prashad Mahadeo and Shameer. Mahadeo attempted a sweep but edged the ball, resulting in Pooran Beria taking the catch. Dynasty’s captain Kenny Narinedat came in next but faced just 5 balls before being bowled by Dane Glasgow without scoring. Ritesh Bridgelall managed to stay with Shameer, contributing 28 runs before Kayoon dismissed Shameer for 15 runs.
Amar Singh entered the game next but witnessed Bridgelall bowled by Glasgow for 10 runs. Kayoon then claimed his second wicket by removing Amar Singh for just 3 runs, keeping Elite firmly in control. Glasgow and Kayoon consistently bowled with precision and pace, making it difficult for the batters to score. By the time Kayoon and Glasgow completed their 4-over spells, Dynasty’s top order was already in the shade, having lost six wickets for only 79 runs at the 10-over mark.
Upon the resumption of play, Bobby Pahalad and Nigel Greaves attempted to steady the innings, strategically building a partnership. While Pahalad played aggressively, Greaves adopted a more cautious approach, resulting in a partnership of 83 runs over 8 overs.
Dynasty’s innings struggled partly due to poor play, including subpar bowling and fielding. Sobhai bowled a single over that dragged on for 15 deliveries, featuring 7 no-balls and 2 wides, which cost a total of 24 runs. Pahalad capitalized on Elite’s errors, scoring a team-high 42 runs off 34 balls before being dismissed by Jake Wessels.
Asif Adam joined Greaves at the crease but was bowled by Beria without scoring. Asif Alli managed 5 runs before being caught off Nico Seepersaud, and Murph Seeram met the same fate, caught by Wessels off Seepersaud, bringing the innings to a close. Nigel Greaves remained unbeaten with 21 runs as Dynasty finished their innings in the nineteenth over, totaling 179 all out, with 69 extras. Siddiq Kayoon claimed impressive bowling figures of 3 for 14, Dane Glasgow finished with 2 for 36, while Nico Seepersaud took 2 for 3, with Beria, Wessels, and Yumesh Persaud each claiming 1 wicket.
Vijai Surajpaul was named the Most Valuable Player of the match. In his post-game remarks, he stated, “I promised my teammates a championship, and they played as a team, and today we are champions.”
He extended his gratitude to the NYSCL for providing opportunities to play cricket and looks forward to many more successful seasons ahead.
Image Source: Vijai Surajpaul @ Instagram
