Suresh Raina rewinds clock, smashes quickfire fifty in National Cricket League

Suresh Raina rolled back the years with a blistering 53* off 28 balls in the Sixty Strikes tournament, smashing Shakib Al Hasan for two sixes and a four. His knock powered New York Lions to a commanding 19-run win.

In Short

• Suresh Raina rewinds clock with a blistering fifty in Sixty Strikes tournament
• He smashes Shakib Al Hasan for two sixes and a four in his over
• New York Lions register a 19-run win in their opening game

Suresh Raina, the former Indian batter who retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, has been making his presence felt in the United States. Currently playing in the Sixty Strikes tournament, organised by the National Cricket League (NCL), Raina turned back the clock with a brilliant performance for the New York Lions against the Los Angeles Waves on October 5. Raina hammered the opposition captain and Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for two sixes and a four in a single over, collecting 18 runs in total. Several videos of his aggressive batting have gone viral on social media, showcasing Raina's trademark ability to dominate spinners.

The 37-year-old looked in fine form, displaying his skill and power hitting despite being away from professional cricket for a few years. His innings guided the New York Lions to a solid 19-run victory.Put into bat by the Los Angeles Waves, New York lost opener Asad Shafiq early for just 3 runs. However, Raina, along with former Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga, formed a crucial 89-run partnership to stabilize the innings. Tharanga contributed 40 runs off 23 balls, while Raina's unbeaten 53 off just 28 deliveries included six boundaries and three sixes. Their partnership helped New York post an imposing total of 126/4 in their 10 overs.

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Raina guides New York Lions to win

In response, Los Angeles struggled to chase down the target. They suffered an early blow when opener Stevie Eskinazi was dismissed for a golden duck on the first ball. Although Adam Rossington (31 off 15 balls), Tim David (19 off 10 balls), and Joe Burns (17 off 9 balls) made significant contributions, it wasn't enough to secure a win. Shakib Al Hasan also failed to make an impact, scoring only 13 runs off 16 balls and conceding 18 runs in his only over.

New York's bowlers stepped up at the right time, with young USA pacer Shourya Gaur taking three wickets, while experienced South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi grabbed two. Their efforts restricted Los Angeles Waves to 107/6 in 10 overs, sealing the win for the Lions.

With this victory, the New York Lions became the second team to win a match in the tournament, following the Texas Gladiators' win in the opening game. Although retired from international cricket, Suresh Raina's innings proved that he still possesses the flair and aggression that once made him a key player for India and the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.