Last Sunday, at the lively “jungle” venue known as Beach-32, Azeemuddin Khan showcased a masterclass performance, guiding Whim Boys to a solid 6-wicket victory over Cosmos. Battling against lingering fatigue and the sweltering heat, Khan’s composure shone through as he navigated the innings with remarkable skill. In the third over, he faced a tense moment when he offered a sharp catch to extra cover, a potential game-changer had Ghanam Tariq managed to hold on. But Khan wasn’t going to let one mistake define his match.
Cosmos entered the field with a sense of determination after their captain, Devindra Balgobin, elected to bat first under the murky overcast sky. Their innings got off to a shaky start, interrupted by a brief drizzle that dampened the matting just enough to make batting a challenge. As the sun decided to play hide-and-seek, the Cosmos batsmen struggled to get the ball past the twelve inches of lush grass—an affair reminiscent of cricket matches played in the local parks, where quick scoring isn’t always an option. Yogeshwar Ramgobin, in an aggressive mood, managed to score 22 before being snuffed out, as the team faced a stuttering battle against a disciplined bowling attack.
The grass at Beach-32 may be high (around twelve inches, not an exaggeration) and yields a playing experience akin to that at Randalls Island and Ferry Point Park. Yet, in stark contrast, the adjacent soccer fields are immaculately maintained. The unfortunate neglect of cricket within New York City’s parks department is frustrating for those who cherish the sport. It’s hard not to feel outraged at the state of the facilities when you see such discrepancies.
Despite the challenges, both teams put up a spirited fight. Cosmos, after a promising 43-run partnership between Antanio Rooplall and Akash Rahim, found themselves at 100 for 2. However, just two runs later, chaos ensued as Rahim (22) fell victim to a delivery that bowled him around his legs and Rooplall (36) was caught shortly after. That left them struggling at 102 for 4 in 22.4 overs. But Balgobin and the promising young talent Alvin Gobin reignited their innings, with Gobin charging forward. He smacked eighteen runs in one over, including two massive sixes over mid-on, partnering with Balgobin (27) to stitch an essential 66 runs together in just six overs. Unfortunately, after making 33 runs, Gobin holed out at mid-off, and Cosmos ended their innings at 175 for 7 after their allotted 30 overs, with H. Sattur shining with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for just 24 runs.
Azeemuddin Khan’s presence was pivotal for Whim Boys, who needed a steady hand to guide them home. Khan demonstrated a blend of skill and maturity, expertly capitalizing on any deliveries that strayed near his leg stump. His skillful partnerships—46 runs with K. Seepersaud (17), followed by 69 runs with R. Latcha (26), and 40 runs with D. Thakoordeen (21)—were instrumental as he neared a well-deserved century. However, T. Thakoordeen induced a slight nick, allowing Balgobin to take a sharp catch. Khan’s exceptional knock concluded at 88 runs off just 63 balls, decorated with seven boundaries and six towering sixes, as his team cruised to 179 for 4 in the 26th over. A. Rooplall took 2 wickets for 41 runs, while S. Ali and T. Thakoordeen chipped in with one wicket apiece.
The Cosmos youth displayed admirable resilience and character, relishing the opportunity to play and grow. Their leadership under the fourteen-year-old captain, Azam Yakub, and vice-captain, Devin Persaud, is commendable. While this is their first season, their discipline, respect, and potential promise a bright future. So let’s keep our heads up, guys, and continue enjoying the beautiful game that brings us all together.
Image Source: Azeemuddin Khan @ Instagram
