The United States Premier League (USPL) Season 3 began with thrilling action as the California Golden Eagles and Maryland Mavericks secured commanding victories at the Broward County Stadium in Florida on Friday. The season opener set the tone for an exciting tournament, combining competitive cricket with a celebration of community spirit.
In the first match of the season, the California Golden Eagles showcased their batting prowess to defeat the Carolina Eagles by 29 runs. Opting to bat first, the Golden Eagles posted an impressive total of 197/2 in their 20 overs. Nauman Anwar led the charge with a stellar knock of 64 off 46 balls, while Unmukt Chand provided solid support with a well-paced 63 off 45 deliveries. A late blitz by Saif Badar, who smashed 26 off just 9 balls, propelled the team close to the 200-run mark.
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The Carolina Eagles, despite a spirited effort from Shayan Jahangir, struggled to chase the target, ultimately falling short by 29 runs. Nauman Anwar was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings.
In the second game, the Maryland Mavericks delivered a clinical performance to defeat the Atlanta Blackcaps by 6 wickets. Bowling first, the Mavericks restricted the Blackcaps to a modest total of 128 in 19 overs, thanks to a sensational five-wicket haul by Ehsan Adil.
Chasing the target, the Mavericks reached the finish line comfortably with 18 balls to spare. Adil’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, helping the Mavericks start their campaign on a high note.
Earlier in the day, the USPL Season 3 was inaugurated with a spectacular opening ceremony at Broward County Stadium. The event blended cricket with community spirit, featuring players from all six franchises—Carolina Eagles, Atlanta Blackcaps, California Golden Eagles, Maryland Mavericks, New Jersey Titans, and New York Cowboy—walking onto the field accompanied by young children in a symbolic gesture of inspiration for the next generation.
The USA national anthem resonated through the stadium, fostering a sense of pride and unity among attendees. Captains and franchise owners expressed their excitement and shared their aspirations for the season.
Special guest Mayor Denise Grant, along with Commissioners John Hodgson, Richard Campbell, and Ray Martin of the City of Lauderhill, addressed the gathering. They spoke warmly about the growth of cricket in the USA and emphasized their commitment to taking the sport to new heights.
USPL Founder and Chairman Jaideep Singh, along with USPL President Sandeep Singh, shared the league’s journey and their vision for making the USPL a global brand.