The 2016 New Inning Foundation Individual Performance of the Year belongs to Steven Taylor for his 124 not out off 95 balls against Oman at WCL Division Four in Los Angeles. Taylor is the first two-time winner of this award, having also claimed it in 2013 when he struck 162 off 102 balls against Nepal at WCL Division Three in Bermuda.

By Peter Della Penna

For the seventh consecutive year, DreamCricket.com is recognizing USA’s standout performers at international level with the New Inning Foundation USA Cricket Awards.

The 2016 New Inning Foundation Individual Performance of the Year belongs to Steven Taylor for his 124 not out off 95 balls against Oman at WCL Division Four in Los Angeles. Taylor is the first two-time winner of this award, having also claimed it in 2013 when he struck 162 off 102 balls against Nepal at WCL Division Three in Bermuda.

In a year that saw Oman’s reputation rise with a victory over Ireland at the ICC World Twenty20 in India, their showdown with USA at Woodley was expected to be the most competitive of the group stage at Division Four. Instead, Taylor’s innings ensured USA wrapped up one of their most dominant performances in recent years as an eight-wicket win was clinched with 20.3 overs to spare.

Taylor brought up his half-century off 44 balls and kept virtually the same pace for his second fifty, reaching his century in 87 deliveries with a boundary driven through cover off left-arm spinner Ajay Lalcheta. His 15th four sealed victory three balls into the 30th over while he also smashed seven sixes in his emphatic knock.

The speedy nature of the victory played a crucial role in USA advancing to the tournament final on the net run rate tiebreaker. A loss to Jersey on the final day put USA level with Denmark on points in second place, but USA’s vastly superior net run rate ensured they went to the final with Oman as both teams were promoted to Division Three.

In recognition of his achievement, Taylor will receive a plaque as well as a $200 DreamCricket.com Pavillion Shop gift certificate sponsored by New Inning Foundation.

Pic Credit: Peter Della Penna