American College Cricket » USF

Road to a National Championship !

ljodah — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:39:16 +0000

by Mohammad Suleman.

York College Cricket Club earnestly thanks American College Cricket and its President/Organizer/Founder Mr. Lloyd Jodah. We would also like to congratulate all the participants for a successful 2012 Spring Break Championship that was held in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. from March 14-18, 2012.

York College Cricket Club started in spring of 2010 with the help of American College Cricket president Mr. Lloyd Jodah. Within two months, Cardinals put together the team and registered to compete in 2010 Spring Break Championship where York C were the runner-up after a big loss to York University from Canada. In the same year, 2010 American College Cricket North-East Regional Championship, York lost to City Tech (CUNY) in a thriller.

In the year, 2011 York Cardinals struggled to put together a team for 2011 National Championship due to exam schedule and lack of resources. However, York Cardinals came back strongly in 2011 Regionals and won the title after defeating NJIT in the finals. All the games in 2011 Regionals were televised by TV Asia. It was the best thing that happened to US Cricket in ages.

Year 2012, brought great success for York College Cricket Club. Coming strongly from winning the Regional title just 2 months ago, York Cardinals were committed and ready to take on any challenge. I would like to highlight the hard work of newly elected Club President, Shamas Rehman and Team Captain Khizar Abbas, working hand to hand with Club members, Hayat Sikandar, Bilal Shahid, Akeem Dodson, Yasin Khan, Kashif Choudry, Mudassir Hussain, Hugo D O’Liveira, and Rodigan Micheal. The addition of Karan Ganesh on the team was tremendous.

Cardinals entered the National arena with being one the favorites. York Cardinals defeating NYU-Poly, Auburn and University of Houston Clearlake in the first round, went on to beat Cleveland State in the play-offs and qualified for Semi-finals. On the other hand, USF and York University earned a spot in the Semi’s.

Sunday, March 18, 2012.

The stage was set. Sunny Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Was ready to host the Semi-finals and Final of 2012 American College Cricket Spring Break National Championship at the only ICC certified Cricket stadium in the United States of America. Coca Cola sponsored the event and TV Asia was there to cover the historic event. The crowd was building to witness a great day of action. The night before, back at Hotel, I tried learning how to swim. I was somewhat successful. Then I had a little laugh about people confusing York College with York University. USF moved into the finals after beating York University in the first Semi-final of the day.

Secondly, York Cardinals faced previously undefeated Texas A&M University. Texas A&M bowling first, got off to a ideal start by removing Bilal and Akeem very early. But, calm and smart Karan Ganesh and aggressive hitting by Captain Abbas set up a reasonable total of 147. In reply, Texas A&M were bowled out for 76. “This set up York to take on the University of South Florida in the final match, a team that has reached the Final Four in three of the past four seasons.”

2012 American College Cricket Spring Break National Championship- Finals

(York College Cardinals vs. University of South Florida)

Caridnals batting first scored 151/8 in 20 overs. Akeem Dodson top scoring 78 with Karan Ganesh adding 35 to the total. In reply, USF got off to a fiery start with their openers Sai Ramesh(MVP- 2012 Nationals) and Asgher Shiekh aka Abdullah. Some power hitting by both openers led to change in tactics and York College Captain brought the spin earlier than planned. Interestly, he brought me (Mohammad Suleman –Final MVP) on and I got the break-through for the team.

On the other hand, Sai Ramesh partnered with Indawalla continued their impressive stroke-play and built a strong partnership of 72. Things were looking bright for USF and they were sensing a victory here. I was there for the team. Team believed in me, and skipper brought me on for the second spell. I got the big fish. This changed everything for us. USF’s middle order collapsed. Cardinals were pumped up and had their hopes up again. Also, Bilal Shahid and Yasin Khan generated good pace in their second spells with a mix of slow balls and got 2 wickets each. Karan Ganesh bowled handsomely outside off and bagged 2 wickets aswell. Finally, USF were bowled out for 129. York Cardinals were declared Champions of 2012 Nationals.

I would like to congratulate all our Club members, College, fans, families and friends and Organizers for this great achievement. The Championship was well-organized and well structured. There was no secret to our success. It was all hard work and commitment. Some great all round performances, variation of pace and Spin bowling, attacking and well planned classy stroke playing, sharp fielding and lightning glove work. It was a job well done.

Photos by RIVERVIEW STUDIOS/Connie Yen

New Rankings !

ljodah — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:06:25 +0000

: Gavish Sharma (UPenn),Lloyd Jodah American College Cricket President, & York College’s Mohamad Sulema,Abbas Kizer & Shamas Rehman

The Finals of the 2012 American College Cricket Spring Break Championship was the 9th match televised by TV Asia – the first nine ever for domestic cricket in US & Canada. A new Champion, York College led by Abbas Khizer,was crowned, and we got new # 1 & 2 teams !

Iowa State jumped from # 22 into the top 10 ! whilst 2 other relatively new teams, Ryerson University and University of Houston Clearlake continued their strong showings.

Powerhouse Gators suffered the shock of being upset by George Washington University which jumped 10 spots upwards.

With Coca Cola as a sponsor American College Cricket and TV Asia are set to televise at least 18 more games in 2012 – the Semis and Finals of all the regionals. No doubt there will be more shake ups in the rankings as teams do their best, on and off the field, to move up.

RANKINGS – second # represents previous rank.

1—14- York College – Cardinals
2—13- University of South Florida – Bulls
3— 1- Texas A & M – Aggies
4— 9- York University – Lions
5—- 4- Ryerson University – Rams
6—- 5- Rutgers – Scarlet Knights
7— 2- Ohio State University – Buckeyes

8—22- Iowa State University – Cyclones

9— 3- University of Florida – Gators
10–16 -University of Maryland Baltimore Cty – Retrievers

11– 8- University of Pennsylvania – Quakers

12– 6- Auburn – Tigers

13–23- Boston University – Terriers

14–26- University of Houston Clearlake -Blue Herons

15–25- Penn State – Nittany Lions

16–17- Montgomery College – Knights

18–12- Texas Tech – Red Raiders

17–27- George Washington U – Colonials
19–15- NYU-Polytechnic – Fighting Blue Jays

20–21- Cleveland State – Vikings

21–24- Virginia Tech – Hokies

22–20- Carnegie Mellon – Tartans

23– – University of Houston – Cougars
24– Arkansas State U – Red Wolves

25– Embry Riddle Aeronautical U

26– McGill University- Redmen

27–11- University of Southern Cal – Trojans

28–19- Thunderbird School of Global Management – T-Birds
29–29- College of Wooster – Fighting Scots
30–28- Florida Atlantic – Seminoles
31–18- University of Iowa – Hawkeyes
32–31- NJ Institute of Technology – Highlanders
33–32- West Texas A & M – Buffs

2012 National Championship MVP declared !

ljodah — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:30:52 +0000

Here are the stats for 2 of the top players in the 2012 American College Cricket Spring Break Championship :

Sai Ramesh USF

45 2 for 12 off 2 UPenn

64* 3 for 23 off 3 ASU

46 4 for 9 in 3 Embry

20 0 for 9 off 2 ISU

42 0 for 21 off 4 York University plus run out

42 2 for 34 off 4 York College plus run out

Ramesh,bowling off spin, took 11 wickets for 108 runs. He scored 259 runs @ 51.8 runs average.

Sai took 7 catches in front of and behind the wicket.

Ashgar Sheik USF

88 3 for 7 off 2 UPenn

17 0 for 14 off 3 ASU

50 2 for 12 off 3 Embry

76 2 for 19 0ff 2 ISU

22 1 for 37 off 3 JP York U

15 1 for 36 off 4 York College

Ashgar Sheikh,bowling fast, took 9 wickets for 115 runs. He scored 268 runs @ 47 runs average, with 3 fifties.

Sheikh took 5 catches.

Both fielded extremely well.

Either player, based on Championship statistics and on and off the field conduct including promotion of American College Cricket, would be a fitting American College Cricket MVP, and a worthy ambassador.

Ultimately Sai Ramesh was declared the 2012 American College Cricket National Championship MVP ! A master blaster of the ball who hits the ball hard and with arrogance, Sai is also a delightful strokeplayer who opens the batting, and in every innings got the University of South Florida off to a flying start in this national Championship.

His off spin bowling has always been excellent enough to play as a specialist bowler, whilst his wicket keeping and fielding was of a highly professional and athletic level.

Sai has a Masters in Electrical Engineering,and is currently doing his Phd at USF, whilst looking for a job opportunity. This will be his 3rd year selected to the All America team.

Sai Ramesh also had an outstanding 2010 American College Cricket Spring Break Championship for USF, then in 2011 transferred to UCF where, with American College Cricket President Lloyd Jodah, he started a team which he captained in the 2011 Championship.

When American College Cricket arranged Shiv Chanderpaul’s visit to UCF in 2011, Sai assisted with the organizing.

Stats were made possible by CricHQ’s iPhone app, Rahul Potghan & scoring of all USF matches by Satish Hanumathu using the app.

York College – 2012 National Champions after Thrilling Finals !

ljodah — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 03:17:56 +0000

What a night ! What a game ! The exciting roller coaster you wish for in a Finals, under the lights at the CBRP Cricket Stadium was magnificently captured in the television cameras of TV Asia ! Just watching the replays on the run outs and stumpings was thrilling !

It was like the most exciting BCS Championship game imaginable, or Kentucky vs Kansas to end March Madness 2012 !

Two evenly matched teams put it all on the immaculate Stadium pitch and outfield as they jousted for the Chanderpaul Trophy, and the national title, in the American College Cricket Championship sponsored by Coca Cola !

University of South Florida had been propelled by the all round exploits of Sai Ramesh and Ashgar Sheikh, whilst Karan Ganesh and Akeem Dodson had piloted York College through tough teams like Texas A & M and York University.

York College won the toss, and captain Abbas Khizer chose to bat “with our batting and bowling strength I believe we can put USF under pressure by making them chase runs”.

At first it seemed Dodson and Bilal Shahid had gotten York off to a good start, but they got bogged down, and Shahid in trying to hit out was caught in the deep and at 4.6 overs York C was 28 for 1.

In walked one of New York’s best batsmen, Karan Ganesh, and his cuts and flicks got him 36 in 30 balls with 4 fours; putting on 66 with Dodson. Ganesh was caught off USF skipper Nirav Shah at 94 for 2 in 12.5 overs (run rate of 7.52 ).

Dodson continued his onslaught, coming down the wicket often to pull and drive over the top for 5 sixes and 4 fours in his 78 in 49 balls. Given a crucial life with York only on 27, Doson paid USF pay, and as Amir Sadiqqui said provided “March 18 fireworks” , confusing the spectators who thought it was July 4th ! Only the Dasani water breaks provided the USF bowlers respite.

Batting with a broken nose Hayat Sikander made 10 as York College got to 151 for 8 – a very good total.

Astonishingly, without hitting many boundaries USF’s openers got off to a flying start of over 9 runs per over. Ramesh got off the mark with an exquisite cover drive flat along the ground for 4. Then left arm spinner Mohammad “Lebron” Suleman (sporting his blue headband) came into the attack – and got the breakthrough ! In form Ashgar Sheikh was bowled for 15 (2 fours 1 six) and USF was 36 for 1 after 3.5 overs. Sheikh came into the match averaging 50.6 RPI.

Indawalla took his opportunity to compensate for his costly drop of Dodson by combining with Ramesh for a partnership of 72. Indawala’s fine on drives and cuts and master blaster Ramesh’s arrogant strokeplay put USF in a comfortable position until Suleman once again effected the breakthrough by getting Ramesh lbw ! Ramesh entered the Finals averaging 54.25 !

Nevertheless at 108 for 2 at a run rate of 7.71, with only 44 left to win 35 balls, and Indawalla batting well USF was in the driver’s seat.

Hayat Sikander (York College) with the Chanderpaul Trophy

However here’s where the importance of Ramesh was magnified, as USF crumbled from 108 for 1 to 129 all out as Yasin Khan bowling off a short runup and focusing on swing,line & lenght, Bilal Shahid and Karan Ganesh each took 2 wickets to rout the USF batting.

Lightening-like wicket keeping by Dodson led to 2 stumpings and a run out and many more anxious moments for the Bulls’ batsmen. The 3rd umpire camera replays were a delight to see, everytime there was a stumping or run out attempt, and the accurate decisions of the umpires were confirmed by these replays !

Shiv Chanderpaul had sent a record message of congratulations to all the teams, as York College collected the unique Chanderpaul Trophy, which they just missed winning in 2010, to take back to New York.

With remarkable leadership from Abbas Khizer (who got Powerade poured on his head), dogged determination by Hayat Sikander, great all round play by Karan Ganesh and Akeem Dodson, the York College cricket team exemplified the great talent in American College Cricket and finished the job started in 2010.

Fittingly the Finals MVP was Mohamed Suleman, who got the crucial wickets Ashgar Sheikh and Sai Ramesh to stall, then stop the USF potential victory march. It was Suleman who worked with American College Cricket President Lloyd Jodah to start the York College Cricket club in 2010.

Penn State Cricket Coach David Chakravorty, York U’s Jaiveer Chauhan, University of Pennsylvania’s Gavish Sharma, Ryerson’s Hassan Mirza & Farhan Khan, and Amir Saddiqui provided knowledgeable and exciting commentary for another historic achievement in cricket in America.

Coca Cola and Dish Network’s participation as mainstream sponsors of domestic cricket, was unprecedented and of enormous significance for the game.

From being the first to webcast domestic cricket in March 2010 to being the first to televise last year, American College Cricket, with TV Asia, had now delivered a truly great national Championship, on TV !

Darren Stortz & Becca Levin handled the Stadium Jumbotron, whilst Satish Hanumanthu did the online scoring.

SCORECARD

http://www.crichq.com/matches/8849

Watch for at least 18 more American College Cricket matches on TV in 2012 as TV Asia televises the regionals !

Sat : USF vs York College for National Title ! 7 pm East on TV Asia !

ljodah — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:36:01 +0000

: USC President Max Nikias,in India, presenting a Trojans Cricket shirt to Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Group. Photo courtesy USC.

York College has about 8,000 students and is a part of the City University of New York system.

Only 45 years old,it has never won a national title in any sport. Furthermore it never competed with the big names in college sport, until 2010 !

That was when American College Cricket President Lloyd Jodah and student Suleman Mohammed began a cricket club at York College. The hurriedly pulled together team reached the Finals that year. Missing 2011, the York College Cricket club came back, and made the Finals of the 2012 National Championship, facing University of South Florida !

Their success begs the question, what took so long ? In a city where a large % of the population come from a “cricket background” & an even greater % attend York College.

University of South Florida is the 8th largest university in the US, with student enrollment of nearly 50,000. It ranks highly in many categories, including research and Graduate studies. Its budget in 2010 was $ 1.8 Billion.

USF Bulls has won 2 bowl games in football and competes in NCAA Division 1 in a number of sports.

Is it reminiscent of the David vs Goliath battles ? Well, cricket is giving smaller schools opportunities to play on a bigger stage – getting not just national attention, but valuable International publicity.

Some school Presidents make trips to India, and open offices abroad to increase their global profile and get the attention of valuable and high performing International students and benefactors – a vibrant cricket team can do it for them at a fraction of the cost.

No surprise then that the University of Southern California (USC) included its cricket club in its Global Promotion video recently (viewable on the USC website). When USC President Max Nikias visited India last year, he presented Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Group, one of the world’s largest conglomerates with a USC Cricket shirt. In 2011 Tata donated $ 50 Million to his alma mater Harvard University.

No other sport can do for a school what cricket has the potential to do – if its realised.

The York College Cardinals made the trip from Queens, New York City. Having no no field,they had not played together. To make it tougher, the Cardinals came from winter, and had no indoor facilities to practice.

Both teams bulldozed past other top teams to get to the Finals. USF has master blaster Sai Ramesh, and dynamic Ashgar Sheikh, whilst York College has Karan Ganesh and Akeem Dodson, all in tremendous form leading the way.

So this Saturday tune into TV Asia at 7 pm to watch York College step onto the world stage and take on the University of Florida for the national title,a night game under lights at the CBRP Cricket Stadium in Florida.

As American College Cricket Champions the winning team will know that they are the # 1 college in the US and Canada, and take home a Trophy named after one of the world’s best, Shiv Chanderpaul, # 10 on the list of alltime run scorers (Tests) in the world.

Shiv Chanderpaul Trophy. Photo by Amer Zahoud

USF wins final four Rematch vs 2010 Champion York University !

ljodah — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:00:11 +0000

The first Semi Finals of the American College Cricket Spring Break Championship was shown on TV Asia Saturday evening to rave reviews.

York University’s Jaiveer Chauhan said, “ I made all my friends watch it ! and made like 8 people order the channel as well,

it was top stuff ! This will really take the game to another level in our countries. And you and Saad make a top class commentary panel.
Watching the bowlers running up from the front was cool, instead of seeing the boring batsmen waiting for the ball.”

American College Cricket President explained, “I’ve always thought the fast bowlers should be filmed running in, close up from the front, instead of running away from the cameras – this helps convey the excitement of the bowler charging in – then cutting to the batsman, thereby simulating the split second the batsman had to react to a fast bowler !

International cricket misses a tremendous opportunity to show one of the most thrilling sights in the game by not filming it this way.”

The match itself pitted 2 of the strongest teams historically in American College Cricket against each other – York University were Champions in 2010, whilst University of South Florida made the Finals in 2009, Semis in 2010 and Quarters in 2011.

Both had excellent opening pairs, Khushroo Wadia & Jai Patel for York U, and Sai Ramesh and Ashgar Sheikh for USF Bulls – the game would likely hinge on the opening pair for both sides.

USF captain Nirav Shah won the toss and elected to bat despite the damp dewy conditions. With Sai Ramesh hitting the ball arrogantly and well, USF was scoring at nearly 10 runs an over before Sheikh was caught by wicketkeeper Tristan Ali for 22 (23 balls 3 fours) off Tehseen Shah ending the partnership of 58 in 6.1 overs.

Ramesh slowed down a bit before he too went caught behind by Ali for 42 off Shah for 42 (27 balls 5 fours,1 six). Ramesh had delighted with flicks off the legs and cuts.

Leg spinner Jaiveer C, and pacer Arsalan Qadir also bowled well and Shah,Jaiveer and Qadir each ended with 2 wickets.

Ashgar Sheikh then struck a major blow by swinging one in, and bowling Jai Patel in the first over.

Wadia straight drove, on drove, and cover drove to the boundary without a fielder moving, whilst York U was losing wickets at the other end.

With his seeming awkward action Nirav Shah was troubling the York batsmen and when he got Khushroo to cut at one outside the offstump in the air, Prashant Pal took the catch to make York U Lions 51 for off 6.4 overs.

When Canada Under 19 player Tristan Ali was out at 91 for 8 in 14.5 overs it seemed all over for the Lions but fast bowler Zubair Zia 32* (22 balls,1 four 1 six) and Tehseen Shah 15 had a rearguard action which brought York U close and 17 runs were needed off the last over !

Ultimately the University of South Florida Bulls got the win by 10 runs.

Cricket in America and Canada got a huge win, by the first class production put on by TV Asia and the large crew it brought in, including Riverview Studios, which had done the games in New York last October.

American College Cricket has brought cricket in the US into the 21st century.

SCORECARD by Satish Hanumanthu

https://www.crichq.com/matches/8834#inning1

Sat March 24 @ 7 pm on TV Asia – final four begins,Rematch of 2010 !

ljodah — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:27:22 +0000

This Saturday at 7 pm on TV Asia the cricket world will be astounded, by the first class TV play by play coverage of the first American College Cricket 2012 Semi Finals.

Square One Mall, Mississauga, Ontario (near Toronto)

The graphics, slow motion replays,commentary,3rd umpire replays for run outs & stumpings,and the overall 9 cameras professional production will vault North American cricket coverage into a new sphere, on a level comparable to other American sports coverage, and International cricket.

American College Cricket set another precedent in Oct 2011 when TV Asia televised 6 games, now this production will be 500 % better, with a crew of over 30 people working on it. Coca Cola is a sponsor of American College Cricket in 2012.

It’s expected the two teams York University and University of South Florida will have viewing parties in halls on campus – and students from the schools and neighboring colleges will be invited.

One of the largest Malls in North America, Square One Mall will be showing the match on its Jumbotrons, just as it did the Semis and Finals in 2010, thanks to the York University Captain Hassan Chogthai. Thousands of Canadians will once again see American College Cricket excitement!

Square One Mall gets over 21 million customers annually, and I’ve loved shopping there on every one of my many visits to Mississauga,Canada.

Hopefully the restaurants, stores and hotels of the desi population will follow Square One’s example and put the matches on.

The 2 teams are 2 of the strongest in American College Cricket. York University boasts the best opening pair at any level in north America, in Jai Patel and Khushroo Wadia. Wadia has the most runs in American College Cricket and has played for Canada, scoring two 50′s.

Fast bowler Arsalan Qadir has played for Canada in the Under 19 2010 World Cup.

University of South Florida has been one of the top teams each year, making the Semis practically every time.In Sai Ramesh they have one of the best batsmen in the US. Ramesh recently spent 3 months training with a Ranji Trophy team in India.

Ashgar Sheikh and Ramesh have been 2 of the top all rounders in the Championship, and the team has been practicing by playing against former Test stars like Faood Bacchus.

WATCH : Saturday March 24 – at 7 pm on TV Asia, available on all major cable systems in USA & Canada, & on Dish Network.

USF Bulls – Road to the final four !

ljodah — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:06:19 +0000

: USF Bulls on the sidefields at CBRP Cricket Stadium, 2012

In 2009 a motley crew of hastily pulled together students comprised the 5 teams of the first American College Cricket Spring Break Championhip. Except for a few guys, mainly on the Montgomery and Boston University teams, none of the guys had recent “hard ball” experience.

A scrappy University of South Florida team, lead by Sri Harsha Boddepalli made it to the Finals in a rain affected Championship. There USF gave Montgomery their toughest fight, before eventual USA cricket star Adil Bhatti and Finals MVP Mohammed Kamran saved the win for Montgomery.

In 2010 USF Bulls reached the Semi Finals and played in the first domestic cricket game ever webcast in the USA or Canada. In 2011 they narrowly missed the Semis on Points. Each time they were led by PhD student Harsha Boddepalli

Going into the 2012 season a more organized USF club appeared under the guidance of former student and now USF Satish Hanumanthu. 2009 Freshman Nirav Shah played in 2009 and now as a senior, was the Captain at the Coca Cola sponsored 2012 nationals.

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA vs UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

The U of Pennsylvania team made the final four in 2011 and entered the 2012 Championship ranked #8 .

Batting first in rain -reduced match (11 overs) USF’s openers Sai Ramesh and Asghar Sheikh scorched the UPenn bowling for 69 runs in 5.4 overs before Ramesh went for 45.

Sheikh then took over and seemed headed for a century before he was run out in the final over for 88, made in 35 balls, with 10 sixes and 2 fours !

Mayur Rao got Penn off to a rousing start whilst 2011 College Player of the year Gavish Sharma held the other end,before Mayur was out for 23 out of 29 in 2.5 overs.

Despite losing some quick wickets, UPenn was within striking range at 61 for 4 off 6.2 overs but Sai Ramesh and Ashgar Sheikh wrapped up the lower order and U of Pennsylvaia Quakers were all out for 77 runs. USF got the win plus 3 Bonus points. SCORECARD

http://www.crichq.com/matches/8535#inning1

ARKANSAS STATE RED WOLVES vs U OF SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS

With tremendous leadership Divya Patel pulled togerther a team at Arkansa State within only past month. Given the wild card opportunity to participate in the Nationals, Divya showed what our students are capable of.

The team practiced as much as it could, and showed up full of competitive spirit, and joy to be amongst their peers.

Batting first they were not the first batsmen to be baffled by the spin of Sai Ramesh, who recently returned from India where he spent 3 months training with a Ranj Trophy team. Rames took 3 wickets for 23, whilst vice captain Nagesh Nayak got 2 for 17.

For Arkansas P Patel struck 25, and C Patel was not out 10 as ASU made 94 all out.

Sai Ramesh, one of the best batsmen in the US, took it upon himself to get the winning total, smashing 64* in 25 balls as USF won, again earning 3 Bonus Points. SCORECARD

http://www.crichq.com/matches/8597#inning1

EMBRY RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY EAGLES vs U OF SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS

Sai Ramesh’s quiet speech contrasts highly with his clinical attack batting as he demonstrated once again, smashing 46 in an opening partnership of 55 in 5.2 overs with Vasudev.

USF Captain Nirav Shah struck 38 whilst all rounder Ashgar Sheil hit his 2nd 50 (29 balls), again sending the ball over the fence an extraordinary number of times, for 6 sixes !

The Embry Riddle batting was no match for Ramesh who took 4 for 9, whilst Sheikh,Nayak and Prashant Pal took 2 each.

USF won with 2 Bonus Points, and qualified for the Quarter Finals where they would face 2011 Great Plains regional Champions, Iowa State University Cylcones ! SCORECARD

http://www.crichq.com/matches/8613

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY CYCLONES vs USF BULLS —–Quarter Finals !

As reliable as the Gucci family on July 4th, the Ramesh fireworks began as he struck 20 out of an opening partnership of 28 in 2.4 balls before S Patel got the important breakthrough.

However Sheikh struck his 3rd 50 and with his captain Nirav Shah put on 122 runs in 11.4 overs, and average of over 10 !

USF Bullls made 200 for 6 in 20 overs as the fielders clearly needed the Dasani Water breaks.

Deepak Navi, the Captain of Iowa State, did a magnificent job, first in the Great Plains regional, then getting his team to the Nationals. Now it was up to him to stave off the USF bowling attack.

He stood alone, making 37 as this time Pal did the damage,taking 4 wickets for 10 runs. Pacers Nirav Shah and Ahgar Sheikh took 2 each to rout the ISU Cyclones for 86 runs !. SCORECARD

http://www.crichq.com/matches/8772#inning1

Nirav Shah, a young man who, as a Freshman, was a part of the inaugural American College Cricket Spring Break Championship in 2009 on the sidefields of the CBRP Stadium.

2009 when we could only look at playing in the Stadium in a “field of Dreams” manner,

when the players wore white t-shirts instead of crisp uniforms in school colors,

when players were being reintroduced to “hard ball” cricket, when they had never played with a white ball,

when the school didn’t know about the first Champions Montgomery,

when we had the first Chanderpaul Trophy,

when we showed up that first morning and I felt a thrill because I knew we were witnessing the birth of a new force in World Cricket, a new force in College sports in the US,

and when 2 guys from the New York Times, Joshua Robinson & Jonathan Vigliotti showed up to do some amazing coverage of our Championship,

2009 was when Freshman Nirav Shah first played a cricket game for USF, and it was the first cricket game that a USF team ever played now as a senior, and Captain, Nirav had taken his Bulls back to the final four of the national Championship, along with another player Ben David, from that 2009 team to be televised on TV Asia !

From that humble 2009 beginning to 2012 where Coca Cola and Dish Network are now sponsors of American College Cricket !

WATCH THE FIRST SEMIS ON TV ASIA, SATURDAY MARCH 24 – USF vs YORK UNIVERSITY !

Exciting slo mo replays, commentary,3rd umpire cams etc….you’ll be amazed !

UF Gators defeat Auburn Tigers to be SE Champs !

ljodah — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:57:48 +0000

: UF Gators – 2011 American College Cricket South East Conference Champs

It was the Fall Semester in 2010, and, after 1 and a half years of work, I finally was able to motivate the (new) executive of the Gators Cricket Club to begin playing with the “season ball”. Uncertainly they agreed, and said they would be ready for the 2012 Championship ( another year & a half later !).

But I challenged them to participate in the 2010 Southeast regionals and they did, led by Club President Krishnaro Dase !

American College Cricket assisted the Club in getting equipment. With very little practice, they played well and, resplendent in uniforms, reached the Finals where they put up a fight before losing to Auburn !

The Auburn club, led by Rahul Potghan and Naveen Thiagarajan, had itself become official for the 2010 American College Cricket Spring Break Championship, when the Auburn admin conferred official status on the club, because it was about to play in the national championship. Now after 3 roadtrips to Ft Lauderdale, the Auburn team was finally able to buy new uniforms and fly !

Now its Nov 2011, and on the beautiful cricket fields of Ft Lauderdale, Auburn and UF do battle again !

The University of Florida Gators batted first, Vijay Pappu and Hassan Baber opening the batting. The Tigers’ bowlers were not effective, and Pappu and Baber put on 40 runs before Baber was caught off Vibudh for 24 ( 1 four,3 sixes).

However, in walked the dangerous Ricky Nayer who, in 2010, had made a magnificent 64 to almost win the title for UF ! After 15 overs it was 95 for 1, as the Auburn bowlers,especially Vibudh & Vijith kept the pressure on.

Then Nayar turned it on, and brought up his 50 with a six, followed by another. His 58* (455 balls) included 4 fours & 3 sixes, whilst Pappu was run out at the end for 49 (3 four & 1 six in 60 balls).

Nayar & Pappu put on 97 and the UF Gators reached a good total of 149 for in 20. Vibudh finished with 4 overs for 18 runs & 1 wicket, and Vijith 3 overs for 17.

Needing a run rate of 7.5 to win Auburn’s openers, captain Naveen Thiagarajan and Prassana, both in form, Naveen having struck 59 vs FAU, and Prassana 64 ( 7 fours & 4 sixes) vs USF.

Auburn was going along steadily before Anuj, who took 3 wickets for 2 runs vs USF, struck for UF getting Prassana caught for 13, and Auburn was 43 for 1 in the 7 th over.

After 10 Auburn was in a great poition on 70 for 1, with Naveen and Shakti going strong. Some great fielding slowed the scoring rate and led to 2 quick run outs, Shakti for 28 ( 2 fours 1 six, 20 balls) and Faraz for 0, making Auburn 102 for 3 after 15.( Gators were 95 for 1 after 15).

Aditya Kasi then took the prize wicket of Thiagarajan for 50 ( 50 balls, 8 fours) and Auburn was now 110 for 4 after 17 . Syam and Vibudh tried to go after the bowlers but eventually the Gators, led by Vijay Pappu got the win by 16 runs !

In the tournament Auburn captain Naveen Thiagarajan made 2 half centuries, 59 and 50 plus featured in a 93 run partnership, of which he made 19. Prassana made a 64, but Championship MVP was definitely Gators’ Ricky Nayar- 2 game winning innings of 25* and 58* and bowling of 2 for 10, and 3 for 15 plus his wicketkeeping !

With this win of the South East Conference Championship the Gators Cricket Club will soar in the rankings, and now can now utilise this victory to motivate the University of Florida to provide a cricket field – which would greatly help the club bring a national title to UF !

University of Florida (USF) vs Florida Atlantic University (FAU) .

USF and FAU played a game that had implications for national ranking.

For FAU Stefan Babulal smashed 76 (8 fours 3 sixes)- Babulal is the name the legendary Rohan Kanhai, one of the world’s greatest batsman ever, was known by !

Lakitosh contributed 32 (3 fours & 1 six), as FAU made 129 for 6 in their 20 overs. Arjun took 2 wickets for 20 in 3, and Prashant Pal 1 for 14 in 4 overs.

For USF, Anshul’s 46* ( 6 fours 1 six), Viral 33 (3 fours 2 sixes) & opener Abhay (2 fours 1 six) gave USF the victory – 130 for 5 in 17.4 overs.

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO SEE WHOLE

Auburn & Gators get past USF & FAU to Finals of SE C’ship !

ljodah — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:52:11 +0000

: Legendary Dilip Shenoy (Gator)

The Auburn Tigers look to retain thier SE Conference title, whilst the UF Gators make it back to the Finals to try to avenge their loss last year.

Both teams will zoom up the national rankings with their performances this weekend!

Auburn University vs Florida Atlantic University :
Auburn : 119 in 20 overs and FAU : 116 in 20 overs
Naveen (Auburn ) – 59 ( 6 fours)
Prasanna (Auburn) – 20 ( 1 Six and 1 Four)

          Venkat (FAU) – 40 runs ( 4 fours and 2 sixes)
         Minhas(FAU) – 35 ( 3 sixes and 3 fours)
         Bowling : Pramod (Auburn) – 4 overs 2 for 19

2 -University of South Florida ( USF) vs University of Florida (Gators):
         USF : 122 in 20 overs and UF : 123 in 16 overs
         Anshul (USF) – 36 ( 4 4′s and 2 6′s)
         Abhay (USF) – 21 ( 5 4′s)
         Harshul (UF) – 30* ( 1 six and 4 4′s)
         Hassan (UF) – 29 (2 six and 3 4′s)
         Bowling : Ricky (UF) – 4 overs one maiden – 2 for 10
         Prashant Pal (USF) – 4 overs – 3 for 27

3 -Florida Atlantic University (FAU) vs Univessity of Florida (Gators) :
          FAU : 54 all out and UF losing only 1 wicket
          Zohaib (FAU) – 24 ( 2 6′s and 1 four)
          Ricky Nayar (UF) – 25* ( 2 sixes and 1 four)
          Hassan (UF) – 26* ( 3 sixes and 1 four)
          Bowling : Ricky (UF) – 4 overs – 3 for 15 runs
          Anuj (UF) – 4 overs – 2 maidens – 3 for 11 runs

4 – USF Vs Auburn :
          Auburn Scored 179 in 20 overs and USF Scored 120
          Prasanna (Auburn) – 64 (3 6′s and 6 4′s)
          Shyam (Auburn) – 33 (6 4′s)
          Vibudh – 29* ( 2 6′s and 2 4′s)
          Nirav (USF) – 44 (2 6′s and 4 4′s)
          Anshul – 34 (4 4′s)
          Bowling : Ben(USF) – 4 overs one maiden – 2 for 19 runs
          Prashanth Pal (USF) – 4 overs – 2 for 28 runs
          Vibudh (Auburn) – 4 overs – 3 for 20 runs