Los Angeles Waves CC secured a top-two finish in the Sixty Strikes tournament by the National Cricket League (NCL) USA, as they chased down a target of 100 in just 8.4 overs against Chicago CC. Walking in at No. 3, Australia batter Tim David smashes 44 off just 23 balls to lead his team over the finish line. Adam Rossington’s 10-ball 20 provided a flying start, while Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan‘s 4-ball 14 cameo provided a great finish to Los Angeles.

Winning the toss, Los Angeles captain Tymal Mills put Chicago to bat. Despite significant contributions across the order, a total of 99 was managed in 10 overs. Star batters Chris Lynn and Robin Uthappa came to bat at unusually low positions of No. 6 and No. 7, and both failed to get going. Former New Zealand spinner Todd Astle was the chief wicket-taker for Los Angeles, picking up three.

In the run chase, it was Rossington and David’s 63-run partnership that nearly took Los Angeles home. Rossington was forced to retire hurt after 10 balls, however.

Shakib provided the finishing touches for Los Angeles, smashing two sixes in his 4-ball cameo to guide Los Angeles Waves home.

The win for Los Angeles takes them to second spot, as they finish above Texas Gladiators due to a better net-run-rate (NRR). The win for Los Angeles also confirmed the exit of Suresh Raina-led New York Lions CC, who crash out in fifth place.

Despite the defeat, Chicago remained on top of the table in a closely-fought Sixty Strikes league phase.

The two sides will meet again in the Qualifier 1 game.

James Fuller and Dawid Malan impressed with the bat as Texas Gladiators defeated Los Angeles Waves by 4 wickets in the National Cricket League (NCL) on Sunday. Fuller slammed 39 off 10 balls while Malan scored 38 off 16 deliveries as their team marched on to victory. Chasing a target of 127, Tymal Mills took three wickets but Texas Gladiators comfortably clinched the win with Fuller producing late fireworks with one four and five massive sixes. The T10 format has given cricket, as a game, a new dimension, and the NCL is taking it to a new level, thanks to the global superstars playing in the tournament.

Batting first, Los Angeles Waves posted a total of 126 for the loss of three wickets with Tim David top-scoring with 51. David looked in explosive form as he slammed 51 in just 20 balls with one four and seven sixes. Shakib Al Hasan and George Munsey both played their parts with quickfire knocks.

For Texas Gladiators, Jason Behrendorff, Nisarg Patel and Ashmead Nedd took one wicket apiece.

In response, Malan provided the perfect start to the run chase and his partnerships with Kennar Lewis as well as Nick Kelly keeping them on track. Texas Gladiators did struggle midway into the encounter as Mills conceded just 20 runs in 2 overs and took three significant wickets.

However, Ben Fuller turned out to be the saviour for his side as he slammed 39 in just 10 balls. In the end, his side went on to the win the match with 7 balls to spare.