Twenty four teams have been competing in this year's Phuket International Cricket Sixes and Finals Day saw a fantastic culmination of cricket skills, entertainment and action.
The Cup semi finals threw up an absorbing match between CBB Postels and Corner Tigers. CBB Postels reached 54/2 following a good bowling session from the Tigers from Pakistan. It was an exciting run chase though which came down to the last ball, the Postels fighting hard all the way.
Five runs was required from the last ball and the Tigers only had one wicket remaining. The unlucky bowler however conceded a wide which left just one run to win for the Tigers (four runs for a wide in this tournament) which they duly stroked to triumphant cheering from their supporters.
The other Cup semi saw tournament favourites Gauhati Maroon demolish Lamma CC of Hong Kong, featuring Trevor Chappell, when they chased down 32 runs in the third over.
It was a mouth-watering Phuket Sixes Cup final which pitted former champions the Corner Tigers of Pakistan against Gauhati Town Maroon from India. The Tigers batted first and posted a gettable 60 following some fearsome Gauhati bowling (Haroon 30 not out). In truth it was a valiant effort given that the Tigers lost two wickets in the first over.
The reply from Gauhati was nearly as deadly and won the final with three balls to spare despite some inspiring bowling, especially from Tigers captain Haroon who conceded just five runs from his over, who was later made Man of the Final. The winning run was followed by a pitch invasion of the jubilant Gauhati supporters and player's families.
The Plate final was an all Australian affair featuring St Francis de Sales of Melbourne versus the Leeming Spartans from Perth. The Spartans amassed 78 runs in their innings (Geezer 34*) against St Francis who were making their debut at the Phuket Sixes. The Spartans earned bragging rights for Western Australia when they held St Francis down to just 36/4 in reply with some superb bowling, to lift the Plate.
In the Bowl final the Power Packers from India, featuring former Indian international Vivek Razdan, took on Toorak Prahan of Melbourne, Australia. Batting first the Packers put on a decent 77/3, Sukhi top scoring with 25 not out. Toorak took the match down to the wire with excellent innings from Jeremy Skiba (20) and Kristian Fahey (22), but fell just seven runs short following some excellent bowling from the Packers. Sukhi was awarded the Player of the Final trophy.
Spoon Final action saw the Singapore Slingers ladies team pitted against the Custom Cockatoos ladies, who feature former Australian captain and ICC World Player of the Year Karen Rolton in their number, both teams having downed men's sides to reach the final. The Slingers put on a modest 55/2 which the Toos overtook in the third over, Rolton smashing 25 not out, as the Cockatoos ran out winners of the Spoon.
ACST Player of the Day was awarded by the tournament panel to Russell Parsons of Curtin Victoria Park from Australia. The Spirit of Cricket Award was presented to the Singapore Slingers ladies team.
The Phuket Sixes has been using Duke's cricket balls throughout the tournament and they performed excellently, especially the orange coloured balls which were easily visible and very well received.
''It's been a fantastic tournament here in Phuket again!'' said Tournament Director Brad Tarr. ''So many families and supporters have come to Phuket this year to cheer on their teams it's been wonderful to see.
''Great cricket, superb weather and incredible spirit, it's what cricket is all about,'' Mr Tarr continued. ''It was also really exciting to see the Thai boys team play cricket so well during the tournament,'' Mr Tarr said.
Phuket Cricket Sixes to April 18, UpdatesThe Cup semi finals threw up an absorbing match between CBB Postels and Corner Tigers. CBB Postels reached 54/2 following a good bowling session from the Tigers from Pakistan. It was an exciting run chase though which came down to the last ball, the Postels fighting hard all the way.
Five runs was required from the last ball and the Tigers only had one wicket remaining. The unlucky bowler however conceded a wide which left just one run to win for the Tigers (four runs for a wide in this tournament) which they duly stroked to triumphant cheering from their supporters.
The other Cup semi saw tournament favourites Gauhati Maroon demolish Lamma CC of Hong Kong, featuring Trevor Chappell, when they chased down 32 runs in the third over.
It was a mouth-watering Phuket Sixes Cup final which pitted former champions the Corner Tigers of Pakistan against Gauhati Town Maroon from India. The Tigers batted first and posted a gettable 60 following some fearsome Gauhati bowling (Haroon 30 not out). In truth it was a valiant effort given that the Tigers lost two wickets in the first over.
The reply from Gauhati was nearly as deadly and won the final with three balls to spare despite some inspiring bowling, especially from Tigers captain Haroon who conceded just five runs from his over, who was later made Man of the Final. The winning run was followed by a pitch invasion of the jubilant Gauhati supporters and player's families.
The Plate final was an all Australian affair featuring St Francis de Sales of Melbourne versus the Leeming Spartans from Perth. The Spartans amassed 78 runs in their innings (Geezer 34*) against St Francis who were making their debut at the Phuket Sixes. The Spartans earned bragging rights for Western Australia when they held St Francis down to just 36/4 in reply with some superb bowling, to lift the Plate.
In the Bowl final the Power Packers from India, featuring former Indian international Vivek Razdan, took on Toorak Prahan of Melbourne, Australia. Batting first the Packers put on a decent 77/3, Sukhi top scoring with 25 not out. Toorak took the match down to the wire with excellent innings from Jeremy Skiba (20) and Kristian Fahey (22), but fell just seven runs short following some excellent bowling from the Packers. Sukhi was awarded the Player of the Final trophy.
Spoon Final action saw the Singapore Slingers ladies team pitted against the Custom Cockatoos ladies, who feature former Australian captain and ICC World Player of the Year Karen Rolton in their number, both teams having downed men's sides to reach the final. The Slingers put on a modest 55/2 which the Toos overtook in the third over, Rolton smashing 25 not out, as the Cockatoos ran out winners of the Spoon.
ACST Player of the Day was awarded by the tournament panel to Russell Parsons of Curtin Victoria Park from Australia. The Spirit of Cricket Award was presented to the Singapore Slingers ladies team.
The Phuket Sixes has been using Duke's cricket balls throughout the tournament and they performed excellently, especially the orange coloured balls which were easily visible and very well received.
''It's been a fantastic tournament here in Phuket again!'' said Tournament Director Brad Tarr. ''So many families and supporters have come to Phuket this year to cheer on their teams it's been wonderful to see.
''Great cricket, superb weather and incredible spirit, it's what cricket is all about,'' Mr Tarr continued. ''It was also really exciting to see the Thai boys team play cricket so well during the tournament,'' Mr Tarr said.
Events Ever fielded at deep square leg or had had your pads rapped by chinaman? Now's your chance to enjoy the intricacies of everyone's favorite international sport, cricket, here on Phuket.
Phuket Cricket Sixes to April 18, Updates
Phuket Reporters Win Human Rights Prize
News Awards Phuketwan reporters have shared an important international Human Rights Award in Hong Kong for their work in exposing the plight of the Rohingya boatpeople.
Phuket Reporters Win Human Rights Prize
