Cricket Team Earns Playoff Berth
The team gathers after getting a batsman out. Photo: Abu Bakar
By TAIMOOR BHATTI and BASIT QURESHI
The Cricket Team wrapped up a successful campaign, finishing with a 6-4 record and a first-round playoff appearance, the best outcome in seven seasons. Though the Hornets fell in the opening round, their season was a positive statement to put in the books.
“This group showed what Midwood cricket is capable of,” said senior Mohammad Hadier, a wicketkeeper. “We didn’t make excuses. We made adjustments. Every win was earned.”
The team wasn’t expecting to make the playoffs but was able to find its rhythm, helped by a few forfeit victories and a couple of close wins against Franklin Lane Campus, finishing one spot behind Brooklyn Tech in the standings.
“The energy was different this year,” said freshman Roshaan Husnain, a batsman. “We believed in ourselves from day one. This wasn’t just a group of guys playing cricket; this felt like a brotherhood.”
Junior Muhammad Naeem and senior Abdul Rehman led the batting for Midwood. Naeem, known for his calm presence and consistency, built innings while Rehman delivered aggressive strokes and hit sixes and boundaries in the middle overs, often shifting momentum in the Hornets’ favor.
“We worked in high-pressure situations,” said Naeem, an all-arounder. “If one of us didn’t get the early wicket, the other cleaned up later. It was always team-first.”
“We had a job to do every time we walked out,” said Rehman. “And we took pride in it. Our goal was to make bowlers earn every wicket, and we just went out there and did our work.”
One of the season’s highlights came in a thrilling win over Franklin Lane, where Naeem scored a crucial 30 runs. Junior Taimoor Bhatti (one of this article’s authors) and Naeem both bowled out for two wickets each during the powerplay.
“We didn’t just win games, we played our best and with our hearts,” said senior Mohammad Baig, a batsman and a vocal leader on the field. “Midwood had been overlooked, but this season, we earned our place.”
The team’s transformation was due to the culture built behind the scenes — an emphasis on accountability, discipline, and support. Coach Michael Moore, alongside the comedians of the team like Husnain, built a foundation of trust and brotherhood that translated on the pitch.
“We checked each other when we had to,” said Husnain. “We weren’t afraid to be honest.”
Even in defeat, the team remained united. Their first-round playoff loss to Francis Lewis on June 3 was disappointing, but no fingers were pointed.
“We learned,” said junior Abu Bakar, the cameraman. “That match hurt, but it also showed how close we are to something bigger.”
While the team will lose some key seniors, the younger players like Husnain and freshman Zahab Khan have shown promise throughout the year and are prepared to lead the team further.
“I looked up to the older guys a lot,” said Husnain. “Now it’s our turn to lead the way.”
As the sun sets on the 2025 season, the memories will linger: the early morning practices, the post-game huddles — all woven into the fabric of a team that dared to believe.
“We gave everything,” said Baig. “And we walk away proud.”