October 15, 2010
Gibraltar counting on fitness to cover player losses
Posted by Tony Munro 1 day, 18 hours ago in Gibraltar
Gibraltar should go into next month's ICC World Cricket League Division Eight tournament in Kuwait match fit, with a visit from the Marylebone Cricket Club the culmination of their preparations. The matches against the MCC follow a series against an Isle of Man team and several training camps held earlier this month.
Christian Rocca, the Gibraltar captain, said there has been an emphasis on fitness in the preparations. "We've held a number of training camps over the last few months - a lot of focus has been on the fitness/flexibility side and undoubtedly this is the fittest side to have represented Gibraltar abroad. This will hopefully stand us in good stead over a taxing week or so."
However, veteran offspinner Rex Purnell, fast bowler Steven Gonzales and mediumpacer Karan Ashwani are all unavailable for various reasons.
Gibraltar are in Group B and play their first match against Bahamas on November 6, then Germany on November 7 and lastly Zambia on November 9. The semi-finals are on November 11 and the final on November 12. The hosts Kuwait, Bhutan, Suriname and Vanuatu comprise Group A.
Comments (0)
October 13, 2010
Don't jump to conclusions about Associates ... for now
Posted by Martin Williamson 3 days, 21 hours ago in World Cup
News that the ICC has approved a reduction in the number of teams at the 50-over World Cup and an enlarged World Twenty20 event has caused a predictable storm of protest from some quarters.
But the ICC has been vague about what a ten-country World Cup this means. It has not ruled out Associates taking part but as that would mean a qualifying event, it seems unlikely. But for now, we can only wait.
As some kind of sweetner, the World Twenty20 event will be expanded to 16 teams from the 2012 tournament. The success of smaller nations like Netherlands and Afghanistan in Twenty20 cricket prompted the expansion of the tournament, which will continue to have the women's event played alongside it.
What most people agree on is that the current World Cup is overly bloated. But will the ICC be forced by its more powerful members to ditch the concept that the tournament is genuinely open to all and just ensure the cosy club run by the Full Members becomes even cosier?
Comments (18)
October 7, 2010
Suva Capitals post first win of season
Posted by Cricinfo 1 week, 2 days ago in Fiji
The Suva Capitals scored their first win in this season’s EPL with a 63-run victory over the Sigatoka Dunes in Nadi last Saturday. The win was sparked by a 75-run partnership between Inoke Cama and Colin Rika, while a quickfire 51 off 38 balls by Greg Browne sealed the winning total.
The Capitals batted first and after the loss of Tomasi Nawaciono in just the third over, Cama and Rika settled in for a sparkling batting partnership that threatened to take the game away from the Dunes. Their partnership featured some excellent cover drives and good running between the wickets in the face of an impressive opening spell from pace bowler Tukana Tavo (1 for 34).
They moved to 81 for 1 in the 15th over before the partnership was broken by Waisake Sivo in his first over as he trapped Rika in front for 23. He followed it up with the wicket of Rukesh Patel with the next ball to bring the Dunes back into the game.
Continue reading "Suva Capitals post first win of season"
Comments (0)
October 5, 2010
Kirsten confident of Zambia preparations
Posted by Tony Munro 1 week, 4 days ago in Zambia
Zambia will hold a one-month training camp at home before heading off to United Arab Emirates (UAE) to play warm-up matches against a UAE development XI to build up to next month's World Cricket League Division Eight in Kuwait.
The Zambians, coached by former South African batsman Peter Kirsten, will play three games against the UAE XI where he hopes his side can put into practice what was covered during the Lusaka-based camp.
"We will be concentrating on specific 'one-on-one' drills and team-related match practices against local opposition. Much attention will be given to game plans, physical and mental sharpness, [with] the captain playing a vital leading role," Kirsten told ESPNcricinfo.
Kirsten was typically upbeat and believed his side would rise to the occasion of playing a team from another country. "The squad is well balanced, a good blend of youth and experience comprising medium-fast bowlers, spinners and batsmen," he said.
“The team is in confident frame of mind, very enthusiastic and is hungry for success. They will be playing against other countries for the first time, which is always a motivating factor. They have been a joy to coach and clearly have a passion for the game."
The timing of the World Cricket League Division Eight should suit Zambia, who are in Group B with Bahamas, Germany and Gibraltar. The Zambian season finishes at the end of October with their opening game, against Germany, on November 6. They then play Bahamas a day later and Gibraltar on November 9 before the semi-finals and classifications matches.
Group A consists of Suriname, Kuwait, Vanuatu and Bhutan.
Comments (2)
September 29, 2010
Lautoka stars on debut in Fiji's Elite Player League
Posted by Sahil Dutta 2 weeks, 3 days ago in Fiji
Lautoka Voyagers marked their Fiji Elite Player League debut in style by beating defending champions Suva Capitals by 127 runs in Albert Park last week.
A superb partnership of 127 by Sekove Ravoka and Waisake Tukaha saw the Voyagers post an impressive 266 for 8 from their 50 overs against a Capitals' attack that included two Fiji Blues representatives. Their partnership featured both quick singles and an ability to punish the bad ball with a series of crisp drives and would have impressed the Fiji selectors who were at the ground.
Their partnership was finally broken in the 29th over with the score at 145 for 2. Captain Jo Dabea then played a wonderful cameo with a quick-fire 50 that eventually took the score to 266, leaving the Capitals a massive total to chase. Medium pacer Peni Dakaiwas was the pick of the Capitals' attack taking 3 for 36, while Viliame Yabaki gave good support, claiming 3 for 43.
In reply, Capitals' openers Tomasi Nawaciono and Viliame Yabaki batted with intent, regularly finding the boundary to build a solid platform and at 96 for 2 in the 15th over, they looked poised to chase down the large target. Instead, occasional offspinner Joji Bulabalavu halted the Capitals' momentum, snaring four quick wickets. When Tukaha grabbed two more Capitals were reeling at 121 for 6 and the focus turned to survival. None of the late order was able to rally and Suva were bowled out for 139.
In the other game, Western Bulldogs overcame their own batting woes to eventually defeat Sigatoka Dunes with relative ease by five wickets. Sigatoka, troubled by Bulldogs paceman, Kit Tavo, lacked someone capable of capitalising on a good start and were bowled out for 114.
Tavo, returning to representative cricket for the first time in two years, took two early wickets in a devastating spell to finish with 3 for 10 from 7.2 overs. Symptomatic of the Dunes' batting was the fact Iniasi Cakacaka and Gaurang Patel were their top-scorers with 15. Manase Ravula, just back from a tour with the Under-17 national side also bowled well, finishing with 4 for 29 from nine overs.
What appeared to be a straightforward task for the Bulldogs was complicated by three quick wickets from Tukana Tavo who had the Westerners in early trouble at 18 for 2. With the match in the balance Maciu Gauna and Kiti Tavo came together and quickly moved the score to 67 for 4 by lunch through a combination of smart running and a flurry of boundaries.
But when Tahrinda Premasiri trapped Gauna in front for 34 just after the lunch break the match swung further in the favour of the Dunes, as the Bulldogs slumped to 76 for 5. However, some lusty hitting from Kiti Tavo, including three big sixes was enough to see the Bulldogs home with five wickets to spare. Tavo's unbeaten 57 combined with his impressive bowling spell earned man of the match honours.
Next week, as befitting a national league, the two matches will be played outside Suva: the Western Bulldogs play the Suva Capitals at Namaka Public School, Nadi, while the Sigatoka Dunes take on the Lau Voyagers at Central College, Lautoka.
Comments (0)
September 24, 2010
Fiji set to kick off domestic league
Posted by George Binoy 3 weeks, 2 days ago in Fiji
A busy 2011 for the national team and the addition of a fourth team will increase the importance of Fiji's Elite Player League (EPL), which starts its second season this weekend.
The Fiji Blues will play in three international tournaments next year, and the EPL, featuring four composite teams of the country's best players, is the players' main chance to impress national selectors.
The Lau Voyagers, led by the experienced Joe Dabea, make their league debut against Western Bulldogs at Albert Park 1. The Voyagers, an exciting mix of youth and experience, will count on two youngsters likely to come into national team reckoning: batsman Sekove Ravoka, who has already played for the Fiji Blues, and 16-year-old Ebrahim Cassim, who is expected to also play for Fiji soon.
Both young batsmen play a game that the national selectors are looking for, working the ball around and playing along the ground. Adding invaluable experience to the team will be allrounder Waisake Tukaha, who will pose a danger with both bat and ball to the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs will be led by national captain, Joe Rika, one of the country's best batsmen. He’ll be helped by his Fiji Blues team-mate, Maciu Gauna, and the pair will form the backbone of the Bulldogs batting. Providing attacking firepower will be allrounders Kiti Tavo and Tauyesa Vakarau, who are both explosive lower-order hitters capable of taking an attack apart on their day. Tavo returns to Cricket Fiji’s elite program after almost two years and will be looking to show that he is still a valuable player.
In the weekend’s other match the Suva Capitals, the winners of the first EPL, take on Sigatoka Dunes at Albert Park 2. Suva will be led by legspinner and former Under-19 national captain, Viliame Yabaki. The bowling attack, however, will be led by Fiji fast bowler Sakaraia Lomani, regarded as one of the country's most dangerous bowlers.
Suva's batting includes two promising players making their EPL debuts - Rukesh Patel and Mosese Ravula. Patel dominated the recent Under-19 Western Conference so he will be keen to prove he can handle the senior competition.
Sigatoka will be looking for a strong performance from their captain, the experienced allrounder, Iniasi Cakacaka. The captain combines wily offspinners with good batting ability. His main support with the bat will be Eric Browne, who keen to earn a national team recall, while young paceman Tukana Tavo will lead the bowling attack, causing plenty of problems with his pace and bounce.
This match looks set to be a close fought battle that will provide an exciting start to the 2010 EPL season.
Comments (0)
September 20, 2010
Hong Kong coach expects young side for WCL 3
Posted by Tony Munro 3 weeks, 5 days ago in Hong Kong
Hong Kong coach Charlie Burke has told ESPNcricinfo he expects just "two to three of the more senior players" to come back into the side for the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 tournament in January 2011.
Speaking a couple of weeks after an experimental Hong Kong squad returned home winless from six games at the quadrangular series in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Burke forecast minimal changes. "Four to five players are available to come back in but I don't see more than two to three spots available for the more senior players, so we may end up having a fairly younger side," Burke said.
Among the first choice players who didn't travel to Port Moresby were Irfan Ahmed, Munir Dar and Nadeem Ahmed.
Four players of Chinese background - Nick Lau, Jason Lui, Chan Ka Ming and Ming Li King - were included as part of preparations for the Asian Games Twenty20 tournament in November, where all players must be passport holders. Predictably, the four were used mainly in the Twenty20 section of the Port Moresby tournament.
Burke said he was happy with how the quartet performed. "They were on their first tour. All four did something well during the week. They have a long way to go, but the future for these guys is promising, and they will all play in our mainlanders side in our domestic season."
He said the Asian Games preparations were centering on "match and game sense as well as fielding."
Comments (3)
September 17, 2010
Time for Kenya to end the Odumbe circus
Posted by Martin Williamson on 09/17/2010 in Kenya
When he was great ... Maurice Odumbe at the 2003 World Cup © Getty Images
Maurice Odumbe just won’t go away. Despite not having played any cricket of note since he returned from his five-year ban for associating with bookmakers, Odumbe, 41, still uses a friendly local media to argue he should be restored to the national side.
Odumbe’s last international match was seven-and-a-half years ago, around the time investigations by the ICC started. Between 2004 and 2009 he did not play at all.
Now he has ambitions to make it back to the Kenya squad for the World Cup. “I am quickly getting back to form and believe I can perform better,” he said this week. “I still have what it takes to make the Kenyan team.”
Even if he was able to show he still had what it takes, the Kenyan selectors would have to take leave of their senses to even consider taking him.
At a time the ugly spectre of players being paid by bookmakers and gamblers has resurfaced, what would it say to the world if Kenya picked someone who Justice Ahmed Ebrahim, the man who headed the ICC enquiry in 2004, described as “dishonest and devious in his behaviour in relation to the game of cricket” as well as “callous and greedy”.
Odumbe has shown no remorse, and earlier this month dismissed the ICC decision as a “kangaroo trial”. If picked, he would be mixing with young and impressionable players. What message would it give to them and others if someone so tainted was again allowed to strut around on the game’s biggest stage?
The best thing Cricket Kenya and the national selectors could do is state now Odumbe will not play for his country again and put the whole matter to bed for once and for all. Until they do, the coming months will see Odumbe continue to get as much press attention inside the country as the game itself.
Comments (7)
September 16, 2010
Associates anger at World Cup proposals
Posted by Martin Williamson on 09/16/2010 in Associates
The leading Associate members of the ICC have described the plans for a smaller 50-over World Cup as a glass ceiling that will restrict the growth of the game in their countries, while simultaneously protecting the interests of the full members.
"The challenge will be [to see] how we break through," Chandra Gocool, Cricket Canada's chief executive told ESPNcricinfo.
The ICC's chief executives committee, which includes three representatives from the associate countries (Ireland, Namibia and Hong Kong) in addition to those from the ten full members, has suggested reducing the 50-over tournament to 10 teams from 2015 onwards, while increasing the Twenty20 tournament to 16 teams. The 2011 World Cup in India has 14 teams, including four Associates; a 10-team event would effectively make it much harder for any of them to qualify the next time around.
Comments (6)
Hurricane forces cancellation of Toronto tournament
Posted by Martin Williamson on 09/16/2010 in Canada
Cricket Canada and Bermuda Cricket Board have agreed to cancel the last two games of the Cricket Canada Summer Festival between Canada and Bermuda.
Bermuda will leave Toronto on Thursday in advance of Hurricane Igor reaching the island.
Reggie Pearman, the BCB president, said: "Due to the threat of Hurricane Igor the Bermuda Cricket Board has cancelled the remainder of the Canada tour to ensure that the squad can return to Bermuda to be with their family prior to the weekend. We are sorry to miss the games but family matters take priority when a storm of this significance and proximity threatens the island."
Comments (1)
September 12, 2010
Tension underlies Uganda's trip to Namibia
Posted by Cricinfo on 09/12/2010 in ICC Intercontinental Shield
Colin Macbeth
When the Uganda national cricket team set off for South Africa last Saturday they had one intention in mind: to give Namibia a good thumping in their own backyard.
September 18 sees the start of their four-day Intercontinental Shield match against the ‘kaburu’ (Boers), a match likely to be sweating with tension after its unpopular transfer by the International Cricket Council (ICC) from Kampala to Windhoek on security grounds.
The move followed the Al-Shabaab bombings in which scores of people were killed at Kyadondo rugby ground, just a stone’s throw from the main cricket ground, Lugogo.
But the decision left players and cricket-lovers in Uganda in dismay and some vowed vengeance - on the field of play. Both teams have plenty to play for, as whichever side wins the Windhoek fixture will go on to the Shield final against UAE in Dubai in November. And that means money.
Already there are murmurings that the whole thing was a ‘fix’; that it didn’t need the July 11 bombs to persuade ICC to shift the fixture from East Africa to a southern part of the Continent; that the visit to Kampala by ICC chief security adviser Sean Carroll was just a smokescreen for a decision already confirmed.
Whatever the real reasons, the Ugandans feel they have been harshly treated. For Namibia will have played all their Shield matches at home, Uganda all theirs away. Both teams made easy meat of Bermuda but, while Namibia went down at home to UAE, Uganda got a draw in Abu Dhabi in January, hanging on by the skin of their teeth.
What Ugandan presence there will be in Windhoek remains to be seen. It was certain that hundreds of spectators would have flocked to Lugogo Oval, vuvuzelas at the ready, had the fixture been in Kampala. That fact underlines the Ugandans’ disappointment in a nation where the game is coming up fast and furious, especially among Africans. Even Carroll was impressed by the programme of events set up by the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA).
Meanwhile, national coach Barney Ebrahim caused few surprises with the 14-man squad he picked to take to South Africa for warm-up matches before the big game in Namibia. Captain and vice-captain, Akbar Baig and Davis Arinaitwe, remain at the helm, as they were against UAE in January, and openers Roger Mukasa and Arthur Kyobe stay in place. Thereafter the list is strikingly familiar, although the omission of spinner Raymond Otim, pace bowler Asadu Seiga and batsman Daniel Ruyange will worry a few.
As expected, former exiles Hamza Saleh and Issaneez Emmanuel get into the side based on their league form, while Wanderers duo Deusdedit Muhumuza and Arthur Ziraba survive their blooding in UAE.
Uganda squad: Akbar Baig (capt), Davis Arinaitwe, Issaneez Emmanuel, Arthur Kyobe, Deusdedit Muhumuza, Roger Mukasa, Benjamin Musoke, Frank Nsubuga, Hamza Saleh, Ronald Ssemanda, Lawrence Ssematimba, Dennis Tabby, Charles Waiswa, Arthur Ziraba
Comments (9)
September 8, 2010
Malaysia prevail in rain-hit Twenty20s
Posted by Liam Brickhill on 09/08/2010 in Papua New Guinea
Tony Munro
Twenty20 Final Malaysia 74 for 5 (Alagaratham 30*, Arudin 26; Baeau 2-15) beat Papua New Guinea 72 for 7 (Vala 26, Arua 12; Azis 4 for 13) by five wickets
Malaysia - and the weather - combined to beat Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the final of the Twenty20 section of the four nation Air Niugini Super Series in Port Moresby on Sunday.
PNG were batting first, after winning the toss, when rain temporarily halted play after eight overs. Upon resumption, the match was reduced to 13-overs-a-side, and PNG, propelled by Assad Vala's 26, reached 72 for 7 from their allotment. Malaysian medium-pacer, Eszrafiq Azis, stifled PNG's momentum, taking 4 for 13.
In reply, Suhan Kumar belted 34 off 23 balls and Anwar Arudin smashed 27 off 17 to help Malaysia reach their target for the loss of five wickets with two balls to spare. Kumar's explosive innings earned him the Man of the Final award. The Player of the entire Twenty20 series was Mahuru Dai (PNG).
The Player of the Series was PNG batsman, Tony Ura, who was also the Player of the 50-over series
Twenty/20 Preliminary Results
Malaysia 166 for 4 (Sharif 24, Madhavan 48*, Navaratnam 31, Arudin 41*) beat Hong Kong 162 for 5 by six wickets
Papua New Guinea 136 for 7 (Ura 24, Kent 37, Vare 20*, Dikana 21*; Ruwan 3-24, Reddy 2-36) beat Singapore 62 (Arora 18; Baeau 3-19, Dai 2-16) by 64 runs
Papua New Guinea 125 for 5 (Kent 29, Dai 42; Khan 2-26) beat Hong Kong 55 for 9 (Saeed 13; Ura 2-7) by 70 runs
Malaysia 168 for 8 (Navaratnam 27, H Khan 47, Alagaratham 24, Rosmanizam 24; Mulewa 3-26) beat Singapore 110 for 8 (Mulewa 23, Janjua 15; Arifin 4-19, H Khan 2-18, Yusot 2-22) by 58 runs
Papua New Guinea 103 for 9 (Morea 26, Arua 34*; Yusot 3 for 10, Azis 3-13, Arifin 2-19) beat Malaysia 75 (Rosmanizam 15, Azis 18, Rahim 16; Dai 4-15, Tom 3-13, Ura 2-12) by 28 runs
Singapore 154 for 9 (Surawanshi 49, Arora 40, Reddy 17; Anwar Khan 2-24, Ali Khan 2-35) beat Hong Kong 117 for 6 (Lamsam 52, Lau 30; Param 2-10, Janjua 2-23)
Comments (0)
September 5, 2010
PNG beat Hong Kong to win quadrangular
Posted by Cricinfo on 09/05/2010 in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea 205 (Arua 61, Vala 41, A Khan 4-46) beat Hong Kong 149 (Gull 48, Baeau 4-31) by 56 runs
Papua New Guinea has won the Air Niugini Supa Series quadrangular tournament after beating Hong Kong by 56 runs on Friday. Singapore's 11-run defeat of Malaysia in Friday's other game meant they finished second, while Malaysia and Hong Kong finished third and fourth.
PNG won the toss and elected to bat, however Hong Kong took early wickets to reduce the hosts to 80 for 5. Kapena Arua and Jack Vare steadied the innings for PNG with a 58-run partnership and ensured Hong Kong would require 206 for victory. Asif Khan took the key wickets of Assad Vala, Kila Pala, Kapena Arua and Kila to finish with 4 for 46.
Hong Kong's reply got off to a steady start but the run out of Roy Lamsam (16) sparked a mini-collapse that reduced Hong Kong to 39 for 3. Some solid batting from Ilyas Gull (48) steered Hong Kong to a position of relative strength at 105 for 4 but then the innings folded rather meekly as paceman Baeau (4-31) ran through defences of the middle and lower order batsmen. Hong Kong was all out for 149 in 46 overs.
Continue reading "PNG beat Hong Kong to win quadrangular"
Comments (2)
Gibraltar counting on fitness to cover player losses
Posted by Tony Munro 1 day, 18 hours ago in Gibraltar
Gibraltar should go into next month's ICC World Cricket League Division Eight tournament in Kuwait match fit, with a visit from the Marylebone Cricket Club the culmination of their preparations. The matches against the MCC follow a series against an Isle of Man team and several training camps held earlier this month.
Christian Rocca, the Gibraltar captain, said there has been an emphasis on fitness in the preparations. "We've held a number of training camps over the last few months - a lot of focus has been on the fitness/flexibility side and undoubtedly this is the fittest side to have represented Gibraltar abroad. This will hopefully stand us in good stead over a taxing week or so."
However, veteran offspinner Rex Purnell, fast bowler Steven Gonzales and mediumpacer Karan Ashwani are all unavailable for various reasons.
Gibraltar are in Group B and play their first match against Bahamas on November 6, then Germany on November 7 and lastly Zambia on November 9. The semi-finals are on November 11 and the final on November 12. The hosts Kuwait, Bhutan, Suriname and Vanuatu comprise Group A.
Comments (0)
October 13, 2010
Don't jump to conclusions about Associates ... for now
Posted by Martin Williamson 3 days, 21 hours ago in World Cup
News that the ICC has approved a reduction in the number of teams at the 50-over World Cup and an enlarged World Twenty20 event has caused a predictable storm of protest from some quarters.
But the ICC has been vague about what a ten-country World Cup this means. It has not ruled out Associates taking part but as that would mean a qualifying event, it seems unlikely. But for now, we can only wait.
As some kind of sweetner, the World Twenty20 event will be expanded to 16 teams from the 2012 tournament. The success of smaller nations like Netherlands and Afghanistan in Twenty20 cricket prompted the expansion of the tournament, which will continue to have the women's event played alongside it.
What most people agree on is that the current World Cup is overly bloated. But will the ICC be forced by its more powerful members to ditch the concept that the tournament is genuinely open to all and just ensure the cosy club run by the Full Members becomes even cosier?
Comments (18)
October 7, 2010
Suva Capitals post first win of season
Posted by Cricinfo 1 week, 2 days ago in Fiji
The Suva Capitals scored their first win in this season’s EPL with a 63-run victory over the Sigatoka Dunes in Nadi last Saturday. The win was sparked by a 75-run partnership between Inoke Cama and Colin Rika, while a quickfire 51 off 38 balls by Greg Browne sealed the winning total.
The Capitals batted first and after the loss of Tomasi Nawaciono in just the third over, Cama and Rika settled in for a sparkling batting partnership that threatened to take the game away from the Dunes. Their partnership featured some excellent cover drives and good running between the wickets in the face of an impressive opening spell from pace bowler Tukana Tavo (1 for 34).
They moved to 81 for 1 in the 15th over before the partnership was broken by Waisake Sivo in his first over as he trapped Rika in front for 23. He followed it up with the wicket of Rukesh Patel with the next ball to bring the Dunes back into the game.
Continue reading "Suva Capitals post first win of season"
Comments (0)
October 5, 2010
Kirsten confident of Zambia preparations
Posted by Tony Munro 1 week, 4 days ago in Zambia
Zambia will hold a one-month training camp at home before heading off to United Arab Emirates (UAE) to play warm-up matches against a UAE development XI to build up to next month's World Cricket League Division Eight in Kuwait.
The Zambians, coached by former South African batsman Peter Kirsten, will play three games against the UAE XI where he hopes his side can put into practice what was covered during the Lusaka-based camp.
"We will be concentrating on specific 'one-on-one' drills and team-related match practices against local opposition. Much attention will be given to game plans, physical and mental sharpness, [with] the captain playing a vital leading role," Kirsten told ESPNcricinfo.
Kirsten was typically upbeat and believed his side would rise to the occasion of playing a team from another country. "The squad is well balanced, a good blend of youth and experience comprising medium-fast bowlers, spinners and batsmen," he said.
“The team is in confident frame of mind, very enthusiastic and is hungry for success. They will be playing against other countries for the first time, which is always a motivating factor. They have been a joy to coach and clearly have a passion for the game."
The timing of the World Cricket League Division Eight should suit Zambia, who are in Group B with Bahamas, Germany and Gibraltar. The Zambian season finishes at the end of October with their opening game, against Germany, on November 6. They then play Bahamas a day later and Gibraltar on November 9 before the semi-finals and classifications matches.
Group A consists of Suriname, Kuwait, Vanuatu and Bhutan.
Comments (2)
September 29, 2010
Lautoka stars on debut in Fiji's Elite Player League
Posted by Sahil Dutta 2 weeks, 3 days ago in Fiji
Lautoka Voyagers marked their Fiji Elite Player League debut in style by beating defending champions Suva Capitals by 127 runs in Albert Park last week.
A superb partnership of 127 by Sekove Ravoka and Waisake Tukaha saw the Voyagers post an impressive 266 for 8 from their 50 overs against a Capitals' attack that included two Fiji Blues representatives. Their partnership featured both quick singles and an ability to punish the bad ball with a series of crisp drives and would have impressed the Fiji selectors who were at the ground.
Their partnership was finally broken in the 29th over with the score at 145 for 2. Captain Jo Dabea then played a wonderful cameo with a quick-fire 50 that eventually took the score to 266, leaving the Capitals a massive total to chase. Medium pacer Peni Dakaiwas was the pick of the Capitals' attack taking 3 for 36, while Viliame Yabaki gave good support, claiming 3 for 43.
In reply, Capitals' openers Tomasi Nawaciono and Viliame Yabaki batted with intent, regularly finding the boundary to build a solid platform and at 96 for 2 in the 15th over, they looked poised to chase down the large target. Instead, occasional offspinner Joji Bulabalavu halted the Capitals' momentum, snaring four quick wickets. When Tukaha grabbed two more Capitals were reeling at 121 for 6 and the focus turned to survival. None of the late order was able to rally and Suva were bowled out for 139.
In the other game, Western Bulldogs overcame their own batting woes to eventually defeat Sigatoka Dunes with relative ease by five wickets. Sigatoka, troubled by Bulldogs paceman, Kit Tavo, lacked someone capable of capitalising on a good start and were bowled out for 114.
Tavo, returning to representative cricket for the first time in two years, took two early wickets in a devastating spell to finish with 3 for 10 from 7.2 overs. Symptomatic of the Dunes' batting was the fact Iniasi Cakacaka and Gaurang Patel were their top-scorers with 15. Manase Ravula, just back from a tour with the Under-17 national side also bowled well, finishing with 4 for 29 from nine overs.
What appeared to be a straightforward task for the Bulldogs was complicated by three quick wickets from Tukana Tavo who had the Westerners in early trouble at 18 for 2. With the match in the balance Maciu Gauna and Kiti Tavo came together and quickly moved the score to 67 for 4 by lunch through a combination of smart running and a flurry of boundaries.
But when Tahrinda Premasiri trapped Gauna in front for 34 just after the lunch break the match swung further in the favour of the Dunes, as the Bulldogs slumped to 76 for 5. However, some lusty hitting from Kiti Tavo, including three big sixes was enough to see the Bulldogs home with five wickets to spare. Tavo's unbeaten 57 combined with his impressive bowling spell earned man of the match honours.
Next week, as befitting a national league, the two matches will be played outside Suva: the Western Bulldogs play the Suva Capitals at Namaka Public School, Nadi, while the Sigatoka Dunes take on the Lau Voyagers at Central College, Lautoka.
Comments (0)
September 24, 2010
Fiji set to kick off domestic league
Posted by George Binoy 3 weeks, 2 days ago in Fiji
A busy 2011 for the national team and the addition of a fourth team will increase the importance of Fiji's Elite Player League (EPL), which starts its second season this weekend.
The Fiji Blues will play in three international tournaments next year, and the EPL, featuring four composite teams of the country's best players, is the players' main chance to impress national selectors.
The Lau Voyagers, led by the experienced Joe Dabea, make their league debut against Western Bulldogs at Albert Park 1. The Voyagers, an exciting mix of youth and experience, will count on two youngsters likely to come into national team reckoning: batsman Sekove Ravoka, who has already played for the Fiji Blues, and 16-year-old Ebrahim Cassim, who is expected to also play for Fiji soon.
Both young batsmen play a game that the national selectors are looking for, working the ball around and playing along the ground. Adding invaluable experience to the team will be allrounder Waisake Tukaha, who will pose a danger with both bat and ball to the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs will be led by national captain, Joe Rika, one of the country's best batsmen. He’ll be helped by his Fiji Blues team-mate, Maciu Gauna, and the pair will form the backbone of the Bulldogs batting. Providing attacking firepower will be allrounders Kiti Tavo and Tauyesa Vakarau, who are both explosive lower-order hitters capable of taking an attack apart on their day. Tavo returns to Cricket Fiji’s elite program after almost two years and will be looking to show that he is still a valuable player.
In the weekend’s other match the Suva Capitals, the winners of the first EPL, take on Sigatoka Dunes at Albert Park 2. Suva will be led by legspinner and former Under-19 national captain, Viliame Yabaki. The bowling attack, however, will be led by Fiji fast bowler Sakaraia Lomani, regarded as one of the country's most dangerous bowlers.
Suva's batting includes two promising players making their EPL debuts - Rukesh Patel and Mosese Ravula. Patel dominated the recent Under-19 Western Conference so he will be keen to prove he can handle the senior competition.
Sigatoka will be looking for a strong performance from their captain, the experienced allrounder, Iniasi Cakacaka. The captain combines wily offspinners with good batting ability. His main support with the bat will be Eric Browne, who keen to earn a national team recall, while young paceman Tukana Tavo will lead the bowling attack, causing plenty of problems with his pace and bounce.
This match looks set to be a close fought battle that will provide an exciting start to the 2010 EPL season.
Comments (0)
September 20, 2010
Hong Kong coach expects young side for WCL 3
Posted by Tony Munro 3 weeks, 5 days ago in Hong Kong
Hong Kong coach Charlie Burke has told ESPNcricinfo he expects just "two to three of the more senior players" to come back into the side for the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 tournament in January 2011.
Speaking a couple of weeks after an experimental Hong Kong squad returned home winless from six games at the quadrangular series in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Burke forecast minimal changes. "Four to five players are available to come back in but I don't see more than two to three spots available for the more senior players, so we may end up having a fairly younger side," Burke said.
Among the first choice players who didn't travel to Port Moresby were Irfan Ahmed, Munir Dar and Nadeem Ahmed.
Four players of Chinese background - Nick Lau, Jason Lui, Chan Ka Ming and Ming Li King - were included as part of preparations for the Asian Games Twenty20 tournament in November, where all players must be passport holders. Predictably, the four were used mainly in the Twenty20 section of the Port Moresby tournament.
Burke said he was happy with how the quartet performed. "They were on their first tour. All four did something well during the week. They have a long way to go, but the future for these guys is promising, and they will all play in our mainlanders side in our domestic season."
He said the Asian Games preparations were centering on "match and game sense as well as fielding."
Comments (3)
September 17, 2010
Time for Kenya to end the Odumbe circus
Posted by Martin Williamson on 09/17/2010 in Kenya
When he was great ... Maurice Odumbe at the 2003 World Cup © Getty Images
Maurice Odumbe just won’t go away. Despite not having played any cricket of note since he returned from his five-year ban for associating with bookmakers, Odumbe, 41, still uses a friendly local media to argue he should be restored to the national side.
Odumbe’s last international match was seven-and-a-half years ago, around the time investigations by the ICC started. Between 2004 and 2009 he did not play at all.
Now he has ambitions to make it back to the Kenya squad for the World Cup. “I am quickly getting back to form and believe I can perform better,” he said this week. “I still have what it takes to make the Kenyan team.”
Even if he was able to show he still had what it takes, the Kenyan selectors would have to take leave of their senses to even consider taking him.
At a time the ugly spectre of players being paid by bookmakers and gamblers has resurfaced, what would it say to the world if Kenya picked someone who Justice Ahmed Ebrahim, the man who headed the ICC enquiry in 2004, described as “dishonest and devious in his behaviour in relation to the game of cricket” as well as “callous and greedy”.
Odumbe has shown no remorse, and earlier this month dismissed the ICC decision as a “kangaroo trial”. If picked, he would be mixing with young and impressionable players. What message would it give to them and others if someone so tainted was again allowed to strut around on the game’s biggest stage?
The best thing Cricket Kenya and the national selectors could do is state now Odumbe will not play for his country again and put the whole matter to bed for once and for all. Until they do, the coming months will see Odumbe continue to get as much press attention inside the country as the game itself.
Comments (7)
September 16, 2010
Associates anger at World Cup proposals
Posted by Martin Williamson on 09/16/2010 in Associates
The leading Associate members of the ICC have described the plans for a smaller 50-over World Cup as a glass ceiling that will restrict the growth of the game in their countries, while simultaneously protecting the interests of the full members.
"The challenge will be [to see] how we break through," Chandra Gocool, Cricket Canada's chief executive told ESPNcricinfo.
The ICC's chief executives committee, which includes three representatives from the associate countries (Ireland, Namibia and Hong Kong) in addition to those from the ten full members, has suggested reducing the 50-over tournament to 10 teams from 2015 onwards, while increasing the Twenty20 tournament to 16 teams. The 2011 World Cup in India has 14 teams, including four Associates; a 10-team event would effectively make it much harder for any of them to qualify the next time around.
Comments (6)
Hurricane forces cancellation of Toronto tournament
Posted by Martin Williamson on 09/16/2010 in Canada
Cricket Canada and Bermuda Cricket Board have agreed to cancel the last two games of the Cricket Canada Summer Festival between Canada and Bermuda.
Bermuda will leave Toronto on Thursday in advance of Hurricane Igor reaching the island.
Reggie Pearman, the BCB president, said: "Due to the threat of Hurricane Igor the Bermuda Cricket Board has cancelled the remainder of the Canada tour to ensure that the squad can return to Bermuda to be with their family prior to the weekend. We are sorry to miss the games but family matters take priority when a storm of this significance and proximity threatens the island."
Comments (1)
September 12, 2010
Tension underlies Uganda's trip to Namibia
Posted by Cricinfo on 09/12/2010 in ICC Intercontinental Shield
Colin Macbeth
When the Uganda national cricket team set off for South Africa last Saturday they had one intention in mind: to give Namibia a good thumping in their own backyard.
September 18 sees the start of their four-day Intercontinental Shield match against the ‘kaburu’ (Boers), a match likely to be sweating with tension after its unpopular transfer by the International Cricket Council (ICC) from Kampala to Windhoek on security grounds.
The move followed the Al-Shabaab bombings in which scores of people were killed at Kyadondo rugby ground, just a stone’s throw from the main cricket ground, Lugogo.
But the decision left players and cricket-lovers in Uganda in dismay and some vowed vengeance - on the field of play. Both teams have plenty to play for, as whichever side wins the Windhoek fixture will go on to the Shield final against UAE in Dubai in November. And that means money.
Already there are murmurings that the whole thing was a ‘fix’; that it didn’t need the July 11 bombs to persuade ICC to shift the fixture from East Africa to a southern part of the Continent; that the visit to Kampala by ICC chief security adviser Sean Carroll was just a smokescreen for a decision already confirmed.
Whatever the real reasons, the Ugandans feel they have been harshly treated. For Namibia will have played all their Shield matches at home, Uganda all theirs away. Both teams made easy meat of Bermuda but, while Namibia went down at home to UAE, Uganda got a draw in Abu Dhabi in January, hanging on by the skin of their teeth.
What Ugandan presence there will be in Windhoek remains to be seen. It was certain that hundreds of spectators would have flocked to Lugogo Oval, vuvuzelas at the ready, had the fixture been in Kampala. That fact underlines the Ugandans’ disappointment in a nation where the game is coming up fast and furious, especially among Africans. Even Carroll was impressed by the programme of events set up by the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA).
Meanwhile, national coach Barney Ebrahim caused few surprises with the 14-man squad he picked to take to South Africa for warm-up matches before the big game in Namibia. Captain and vice-captain, Akbar Baig and Davis Arinaitwe, remain at the helm, as they were against UAE in January, and openers Roger Mukasa and Arthur Kyobe stay in place. Thereafter the list is strikingly familiar, although the omission of spinner Raymond Otim, pace bowler Asadu Seiga and batsman Daniel Ruyange will worry a few.
As expected, former exiles Hamza Saleh and Issaneez Emmanuel get into the side based on their league form, while Wanderers duo Deusdedit Muhumuza and Arthur Ziraba survive their blooding in UAE.
Uganda squad: Akbar Baig (capt), Davis Arinaitwe, Issaneez Emmanuel, Arthur Kyobe, Deusdedit Muhumuza, Roger Mukasa, Benjamin Musoke, Frank Nsubuga, Hamza Saleh, Ronald Ssemanda, Lawrence Ssematimba, Dennis Tabby, Charles Waiswa, Arthur Ziraba
Comments (9)
September 8, 2010
Malaysia prevail in rain-hit Twenty20s
Posted by Liam Brickhill on 09/08/2010 in Papua New Guinea
Tony Munro
Twenty20 Final Malaysia 74 for 5 (Alagaratham 30*, Arudin 26; Baeau 2-15) beat Papua New Guinea 72 for 7 (Vala 26, Arua 12; Azis 4 for 13) by five wickets
Malaysia - and the weather - combined to beat Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the final of the Twenty20 section of the four nation Air Niugini Super Series in Port Moresby on Sunday.
PNG were batting first, after winning the toss, when rain temporarily halted play after eight overs. Upon resumption, the match was reduced to 13-overs-a-side, and PNG, propelled by Assad Vala's 26, reached 72 for 7 from their allotment. Malaysian medium-pacer, Eszrafiq Azis, stifled PNG's momentum, taking 4 for 13.
In reply, Suhan Kumar belted 34 off 23 balls and Anwar Arudin smashed 27 off 17 to help Malaysia reach their target for the loss of five wickets with two balls to spare. Kumar's explosive innings earned him the Man of the Final award. The Player of the entire Twenty20 series was Mahuru Dai (PNG).
The Player of the Series was PNG batsman, Tony Ura, who was also the Player of the 50-over series
Twenty/20 Preliminary Results
Malaysia 166 for 4 (Sharif 24, Madhavan 48*, Navaratnam 31, Arudin 41*) beat Hong Kong 162 for 5 by six wickets
Papua New Guinea 136 for 7 (Ura 24, Kent 37, Vare 20*, Dikana 21*; Ruwan 3-24, Reddy 2-36) beat Singapore 62 (Arora 18; Baeau 3-19, Dai 2-16) by 64 runs
Papua New Guinea 125 for 5 (Kent 29, Dai 42; Khan 2-26) beat Hong Kong 55 for 9 (Saeed 13; Ura 2-7) by 70 runs
Malaysia 168 for 8 (Navaratnam 27, H Khan 47, Alagaratham 24, Rosmanizam 24; Mulewa 3-26) beat Singapore 110 for 8 (Mulewa 23, Janjua 15; Arifin 4-19, H Khan 2-18, Yusot 2-22) by 58 runs
Papua New Guinea 103 for 9 (Morea 26, Arua 34*; Yusot 3 for 10, Azis 3-13, Arifin 2-19) beat Malaysia 75 (Rosmanizam 15, Azis 18, Rahim 16; Dai 4-15, Tom 3-13, Ura 2-12) by 28 runs
Singapore 154 for 9 (Surawanshi 49, Arora 40, Reddy 17; Anwar Khan 2-24, Ali Khan 2-35) beat Hong Kong 117 for 6 (Lamsam 52, Lau 30; Param 2-10, Janjua 2-23)
Comments (0)
September 5, 2010
PNG beat Hong Kong to win quadrangular
Posted by Cricinfo on 09/05/2010 in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea 205 (Arua 61, Vala 41, A Khan 4-46) beat Hong Kong 149 (Gull 48, Baeau 4-31) by 56 runs
Papua New Guinea has won the Air Niugini Supa Series quadrangular tournament after beating Hong Kong by 56 runs on Friday. Singapore's 11-run defeat of Malaysia in Friday's other game meant they finished second, while Malaysia and Hong Kong finished third and fourth.
PNG won the toss and elected to bat, however Hong Kong took early wickets to reduce the hosts to 80 for 5. Kapena Arua and Jack Vare steadied the innings for PNG with a 58-run partnership and ensured Hong Kong would require 206 for victory. Asif Khan took the key wickets of Assad Vala, Kila Pala, Kapena Arua and Kila to finish with 4 for 46.
Hong Kong's reply got off to a steady start but the run out of Roy Lamsam (16) sparked a mini-collapse that reduced Hong Kong to 39 for 3. Some solid batting from Ilyas Gull (48) steered Hong Kong to a position of relative strength at 105 for 4 but then the innings folded rather meekly as paceman Baeau (4-31) ran through defences of the middle and lower order batsmen. Hong Kong was all out for 149 in 46 overs.
Continue reading "PNG beat Hong Kong to win quadrangular"
Comments (2)