Beyond the Test World
Japan's caution costs them
Auckland’s weather had the final say on day four of the EAP Trophy with two matches abandoned without a ball being bowled and a 26-over match between the first- and second-placed sides abandoned when the sides were taken from the field by the umpires
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
Auckland’s weather had the final say on day four of the EAP Trophy with two matches abandoned without a ball being bowled and a 26-over match between the first- and second-placed sides abandoned when the sides were taken from the field by the umpires six overs before a Duckworth-Lewis calculation would have provided a result.
Japan’s decision to field was rewarded when Cook Islands' innings disintegrated from a position of relative strength at 71 for 4 to a calamitous 79. Patrick Giles-Jones (3 for 11), Takura Hagihara (3 for 15) and Masanori Abe (3 for 24) were the destroyers.
Japan’s patient response was understandable chasing such a moderate target, but may have ultimately cost them the chance of taking both points on offer in the match. With light rain falling late in the day, Cook Islands captain Chris Brown protested to the umpires that his bowlers were at risk of injury due to the underfoot conditions and after a lengthy deliberation the covers were called for. Twenty minutes later the match was abandoned as the time available was no longer enough to bowl the six overs to reach the 20 required to constitute a match.
Full postMexico takes Central America Championship
Mexico, the host country, captured the second Central America Championship with wins against Costa Rica and El Salvador, who were playing their first ever internationals
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
Mexico, the host country, captured the second Central America Championship with wins against Costa Rica and El Salvador, who were playing their first ever internationals. Costa Rica defeated El Salvador, with Ben Smith making 102 of the 253 runs then rolling them for 81, to finish second.
The tournament gives developing affiliates and new territories an opportunity to gain valuable experience and it is a stepping stone for the lowest ranked affiliates to the Americas Division 3 competition.
A spokesman for El Salvador said they had really enjoyed the experience. “We have enthusiasm and some kind donations with which nets and an artificial pitch can be purchased. With better training facilities and more experience we hope to improve and get to the standard where we are in a position to win some games.”
Full postCritics urge rejection of new USACA constitution
The ongoing drama that is the USA Cricket Association shows no sign of ending despite the hope expressed by Chris Dehring, the independent third party appointed to try to find a solution to the imbroglio.
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
The ongoing drama that is the USA Cricket Association shows no sign of ending despite the hope expressed by Chris Dehring, the independent third party appointed to try to find a solution to the imbroglio.
Last Friday (November 30) Dehring wrote to stakeholders to advise them that after months of negotiations the new constitution had been released for ratification. He said: "I recommend this new constitution to you as a solid foundation to take US cricket forward."
But those hopes might come to nothing after a scathing attack on the new constitution by Atul Rai, the man who preceded Gladstone Dainty as the USACA president.
Click here for the full story
Full postJapan shoot to top of table
The third round of the ICC EAP Cricket Trophy threw the tournament wide open with Japan now the only undefeated team, while Vanuatu made it two wins in two.
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
The third round of the ICC EAP Cricket Trophy threw the tournament wide open with Japan now the only undefeated team, while Vanuatu made it two wins in two.
Japan were given a fright, though, by Samoa before shooting to the top of the table with a 33-run win. Courtney Jones (72) and Munir Ahmad (64) led a middle-order recovery to bring Japan back from a precarious 3 for 16 after 7. Faave Faaofo (3 for 43 off 10 overs) and Konelio Faillagi (2 for 22) did the damage for Samoa at the top of the innings, however Japan managed to scrap their way to the competitive total of 9 for 220.
Samoa’s innings started in a similar fashion, with four early wickets. Captain Geoff Clarke (18) and Sipiliano Tua (92) built a solid partnership in the middle of the innings that gave Samoa a chance. Naoki Miyaji (5 for 32) had other ideas, however as he tore through Samoa’s tail to lead Japan to their third consecutive win.
Vanuatu beat Cook Islands in a tense, low-scoring affair. Cook Islands bowled first on a pitch that offered the pacemen some assistance. The in-form Andrew Mansale started positively with 31, however Richard Tatwin proved the mainstay in Vanuatu’s 167 with 51. Tino Etita was the chief destroyer with 5 for 16. Vanuatu skipper Patrick Haines (4 for 27) lead from the front with an aggressive opening spell that wrestled back the momentum. Joseph Joe (34) and Chris Brown (24) offered some resistance before Pierre Chilia (3 for 22) returned to claim the final wicket and leave the Cook Islands 44 runs shy of the required target.
Full postEight teams expelled in ACC age row
Singapore defeated Kuwait by six wickets to win the ACC Under-15 Elite Cup in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
Singapore defeated Kuwait by six wickets to win the ACC Under-15 Elite Cup in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It was, however, a slightly hollow victory, as eight of the ten competing sides had earlier been disqualified for fielding over-age players, and so Singapore and Kuwait contested the final as they were the only teams remaining in the competition.
The Asian Cricket Council had taken drastic action on Saturday and kicked out hosts and defending champions Nepal as well as Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Thailand after its medical board reported that all the squads from those countries contained players over the stipulated age limit. Sunday's semi-finals - Nepal v Singapore and Afghanistan v Hong Kong - were scrapped.
Full postVanuatu record first win
Vanuatu recorded their first victory of the ICC EAP Cricket Trophy in Auckland, with a win on the second day, while Japan and the Cook Islands continued their winning form.
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
Vanuatu recorded their first victory of the ICC EAP Cricket Trophy in Auckland, with a win on the second day, while Japan and the Cook Islands continued their winning form.
Vanuatu bounced back from their Round 1 defeat with a comfortable victory against Samoa. The young side made 200 for 9 after being sent in, with opening batsman Frederick Timakata (44) topscoring. Konelio Faillagi (3 for 23 off 10 overs) was the pick of the Samoan bowlers who toiled hard on a good batting surface. Samoa’s run-chase started disastrously and never really recovered despite a plucky 55 from Ben Mailata. Samoa were eventually dismissed for 108 in the 26th over. The fast bowler Kenneth Natapei (2 for 10 off 7 overs) was well supported by spinners Andrew Mansale (3 for 23 off 4 overs) and Simpson Obed (2 for 2 off 1.1 overs) in an even bowling display.
Tonga batted against the Cook Islands but were on the back foot when Dunu Eliaba (4 for 15 off 6 overs) claimed the first of four wickets in the fifth over. Sione Holi (31) provided some middle-order resistance before Eliaba and fellow paceman Chris Brown (3 for 16 off 5.1 overs) returned to dismiss Tonga for 101 in only the 26th over. Cook Islands made light work of the run-chase in just 15 overs. Eliaba (28no) completed a Man of the Match double with Pita Glassie (31) and Tino Etita (21no) also chipping in.
Japan joined the Cook Islands on the undefeated list with an impressive 8-wicket victory against Indonesia. Opening bowler Patrick Giles-Jones (3 for 15 off 7 overs) had Indonesia reeling at 4 for 38 and Indonesia were eventually dismissed for 105. Japan's opening batsman Gavin Beath (53) wasted no time in chasing the small total with a swashbuckling half-century that included eight fours and one six. Masaomi Kobayashi (23 not out) continued his good form from Round 1 to guide Japan over the line.
Full postWins for Japan, Cook Islands and Samoa
Japan, Cook Islands and Samoa recorded strong wins in the opening round of the ICC EAP Cricket Trophy in Auckland.
ESPNcricinfo staff
25-Feb-2013
Japan, Cook Islands and Samoa recorded strong wins in the opening round of the ICC EAP Cricket Trophy in Auckland.
Japan dismissed Vanuatu for 142 inside 35 overs. Vanuatu lost both openers early leaving Andrew Mansale (79 off 97) to rescue the innings, but he found little support. Mansale's 3 for 9 then gave them a glimmer, but Tetsuo Fuji (27 not out) and Munir Ahmed (26 not out) took Japan home in the 40th over to complete a five-wicket win.
Cook Islands bowled strongly and took regular wickets against Indonesia, dismissing them for 148 in the 44th over. Chris Brown (3 for 25 off 8 overs) and Mou Maururai (3 for 29 off 8.5 overs) were the stand-out bowlers. Joseph Joe took them home, with an unbeaten 44, although he was dropped early on.
Samoa won the battle of the Pacific rivals, beating Tonga by 89 runs. Opening bowler Mafi Langi (3 for 38 off 10 overs) claimed early wickets for Tonga, however Uala Kaisala (54 off 88) led the recovery where Samoa reached 191. Tonga started their run chase cautiously and were unable to build momentum, losing regular wickets. Winston Marriner took the honours with 3 for 33 off 5 overs to wrap up the innings with Tonga all out for 102 in the 32nd over.
Full postHouston immigrants connect through cricket
Fans and players hailing from Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa and the West Indies are finding common ground as immigrants in Houston through cricket.
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Fans and players hailing from Australia, India, Pakistan, South Africa and the West Indies are finding common ground as immigrants in Houston through cricket.
"What the West Indian teams are working on here is more than just cricket — we're trying to leave a legacy of who we are in Houston," said a philosophical Eccles, a senior gas and oil refinery consultant and a Houston West Indies Cricket player on his days off. "We're making our voices heard with our play."
The robust amateur league of weekend warriors will celebrate its 21st championship title match today, weather permitting. The game is to start at 9 a.m. and will include the Memorial Cricket Club, a diverse mix of South Africans, South Asians, Zimbabweans and West Indians. MCC will take on the Houston Cougars Sports Club, a predominantly Pakistani team of doctors, engineers and gas station owners. Many of them graduated from the University of Houston. Hence, the name.
The winner doesn't get a cash prize — just a big trophy and bragging rights that last a year. During the championship match, the players will break for lunch, a time-honored tradition, and will sit down together for a meal that will consist of what has become the universal grub for most of the British commonwealth: Indian food.
Full postThey used to play on grass
While many senior clubs outside the main cricket countries play on artificial wickets, few play on artificial outfields, but that might happen in the Netherlands.
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
While many senior clubs outside the main cricket countries play on artificial wickets, few play on artificial outfields, but that might happen in the Netherlands.
A report on Cricket Europe suggests that Hoofdklasse club HBS Den Haag may be forced to do just that as a result of the local authorities wanting to lay artificial football pitches over the main cricket ground. If the work goes ahead, it is likely to be completed in time for the 2008 season. The club maintains that every step has been taken to ensure the outfield is not too bouncy and is not to hard on diving fielders.
Such outfields are allowed in lower leagues in the country, but it seems likely that there will be opposition to HBS Den Haag's proposal, although there are signs that the national board will back the scheme.
Such a situation occurred in England in the 1990s after artificial hockey pitches were laid on the outfield of a Surrey club. But it was deeply unpopular with players, mainly because even the best surface is hard on feet and bodies, and the club actually folded after a couple of years because members left to join sides with grass outfields.
Full postUAE win WCL Division Two
UAE underlined their ambition to take part in the 2011 World Cup by winning the World Cricket League Division Two tournament in Namibia, defeating Oman in the final
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
UAE underlined their ambition to take part in the 2011 World Cup by winning the World Cricket League Division Two tournament in Namibia, defeating Oman in the final. Denmark and Namibia also booked their place in the 2009 Qualifer, but Uganda and Argentina finished in the bottom two and were relegated back to Division Three.
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