Opening batsman, Dilly Khilawan, stroked a handsome half-century to lead the GMA Enterprise sponsored Liberty Sports Club to a 90 runs victory over Long Island United Cricket Club. Imtiaz Hassan’s 35 with the bat and 2 for 22 with the ball along with Altaaf Habibulla’s 45 & 1 for 28 made significant contributions to the win.
Batting first after winning the toss on a sunny Father’s Day #TheBlueNation enjoyed a healthy opening stand of 82 between Habibulla & Khilawan. Habibulla played an excellent hand hitting 4 fours to set the tempo of the LSC innings. Khilawan, who started off slowly lending support to Habibulla, would carry on past the 50 runs land mark. The long standing & most prolific LSC batsman stroked 5 fours and 1 six during his stay at the crease. He would fall shortly after passing 50 to miss timed shot off of a high full toss which was close to being a no-ball.
The LSC mid order suffered a mini collapse but Imtiaz Hassan held his nerves and batted smartly with the tail to lift his team to 212 off 40 overs. Hassan struck 3 fours and 1 six and found help in Vijendra Singh who struck 4 powerful boundaries in his knock of 24.
Bowling for LIUCC, Anwer Kamal picked up 3 for 24 while Rameez Tirmizi scalped 2 for 26. The pair bowled particularly well and were primarily responsible for limiting LSC after the opening stand which had them on par to scoring 250 plus.
In reply LIUCC never gained momentum. Trinson Carmicheal knocked over opener Asim Mehmood for 10 before Hassan broke the edge of Anwer Kamal (8) & Waquas Ashiq (12). Andy Harricharran & Altaaf Habibulla were introduced as first change and both picked up a wicket. Terrence Madramootoo and Leon Mohabir took over bowling duties and polished off the LIUCC tail. Madramootoo bowled a miserly 4.4 over for 5 runs and picked up 3 while his spin partner Mohabir picked up 2 for 11 off 3 overs.
Adan Jadoon top scored with 20 for LIUCC while Rameez Tirmizi & Ali Alvi contributed 19 each before their team was bowled out for 122 in the 30th over.
The win moves Liberty Sports Club to 4-0 for in Zone II of the Eastern American Cricket Association Power 40 competition. The boys in blue will be looking to make it 5-0 when they take on New York Centurion at Flushing Park on Sunday.
The 2014 Liberty Sports Club is sponsored by GMA Enterprise, located on 122nd St & Liberty Ave. The please visit their website www.gmaenterprise.com to support our sponsor. Follow the progress of Liberty Sports Club and join #TheBlueNation via facebook (facebook.com/