Beyond the Test World
Belize take Easter Cup in El Salvador
A fine tournament had worthy winners and a group of exhausted but satisfied cricketers watched Belize pop the corks while a few thoughts drifted to the next regional tournament in Costa Rica
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Andrew Murgatroyd
Last weekend four Central American nations met on the fields of Academia Britannica Cuscatleca (aka British School ) in El Salvador to compete for the second Easter Cup.
Named after the time of year when the first edition was played, it involved hosts El Salvador, defending champions Costa Rica, Easter Cup newcomers Mexico and favourites Belize, the Twenty20 event was a first time the small Central American nation had hosted an international.
The sun shone brightly, and with a wind keeping the fielders cool and the bails wobbling, the tournament was set.
Full postScotland begin professionalism
Cricket Scotland has taken a significant step forward in handing professional contracts to three of its players, Dewald Nel, Gordon Goudie and Ryan Watson, the Scotland captain
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Cricket Scotland has taken a significant step forward in handing professional contracts to three of its players, Dewald Nel, Gordon Goudie and Ryan Watson, the Scotland captain.
Scotland, one of the six Associate nations, has received a significantly increased grant of US$350,000 (£230,000) and it was widely expected that leading Associates would try to use this to allow their leading cricketers to turn professional. But general economic uncertainty, allied to a reduction in the sum expected because of the postponement of the Champions Trophy last September, has led to plans being revised.
The full story is here.
Full postRwanda thrashed in African women's tournament
Uganda and Kenya, as expected, emerged as the favourites after convincing wins in the first two rounds of the Africa Cricket Association women’s tournament in Nairobi.
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
Uganda and Kenya, as expected, emerged as the favourites after convincing wins in the first two rounds of the Africa Cricket Association women’s tournament in Nairobi.
Kenya recorded the most comprehensive victory, thrashing Rwanda by 330 runs. Kenya rattled up 397 for 3 with Sara Batika smashing an 187 not out and sharing an unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 260 with Emily Ruto (74*). In reply, Rwanda managed 67 as Margret Banja took 4 for 17.
Uganda beat Tanzania by seven-wickets at Ngara Sports Club Oval in Nairobi, bowling their neighbours out for 61, and earlier added to Rwanda’s gloom by beating them by 276 runs.
Full postArgentina and Hong Kong pre-tournament favourites
The schedule for the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 which takes place in Argentina next month has been announced
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
The schedule for the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 which takes place in Argentina next month has been announced. The two finalists will progress to the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa in April.
Full postIreland to tackle England
In addition to 2009's county fixtures , the ECB also announced that England will meet Ireland in Belfast on August 27.
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
In addition to 2009's county fixtures, the ECB also announced that England will meet Ireland in Belfast on August 27.
England first played, and defeated, Ireland in Stormont in 2006, followed by a group match in the 2007 World Cup. Their game on August 27 represents a final warm-up before the first Twenty20 against Australia which precedes seven one-dayers and, in what is a high-profile week for British Associates, Australia take on Scotland the following day.
Ireland's captain William Porterfield was understandably excited. "Obviously it's great to be given the opportunity to test ourselves against some of the best players in the world again," he said. "It's a fixture that all the lads are really looking forward to after the announcement of the game earlier this year. The last time England came to Stormont there was a massive turnout, and hopefully August will be no different, and we hope to put on a real show for them."
The Ireland coach, Phil Simmons, called the contest "almost like a local derby" but remained cautious about Ireland's chances.
Full postKwebiha named captain of Uganda
Uganda have appointed Junior Kwebiha as captain for the ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament in Argentina next month
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Tony Munro
Uganda have appointed Junior Kwebiha as captain for the ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament in Argentina next month.
The 27-year-old Kwebiha replaces 20-year-old Davis Arinaitwe who skippered Uganda on their arduous 30-day tour of South Africa last month. Uganda returned home with a one win out of 11 matches facing (by Associate standards) formidable opposition including some provincial teams.
It's Kwebiha's second stint as captain. During his first, which started in March, 2004, he lead Uganda to a shock five-wicket win against Namibia in the Intercontinental Cup in Windhoek.
Full postCanada aim for full strength at World Cup Qualifiers
Tony Munro
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
Tony Munro
Canada intend to field their best possible team at the World Cup Qualifiers in April, according to Cricket Canada CEO Atul Ahuja. Canada were without their overseas-based players during the recent Americas Championship and finished third on run-rate, behind the United States and Bermuda.
"We're not pretending that was anything like our best team in Florida, it wasn't even our A team or B team. But when the World Cup Qualifiers come around we will be looking to have our best team on the field," Ahuja told Cricinfo.
Canada were without Australia-based players, former captain John Davison and opener Geoff Barnett, amongst others. There had been conjecture that Canada were leaning towards relying on home-based players.
Full postChina to make international debut
China will make their debut in international cricket at the adult level at next month's ACC Trophy Challenge in Bangkok, with the spotlight very much on them after an appalling display in the Asian Cricket Council's Under-17 Challenge Cup in
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
China will make their debut in international cricket at the adult level at next month's ACC Trophy Challenge in Bangkok, with the spotlight very much on them after an appalling display in the Asian Cricket Council's Under-17 Challenge Cup in Bangkok last month.
Chaina have benefited from considerable funding by both the ACC and ICC, but a woeful display in Thailand raised considerable questions regarding the wisdom of the investments.
China will be in Group B, the weaker of the two which includes Maldives and Thailand. Their first match will be against Iran on January 13
Tournament favourites, Oman, are in Group A with Bhutan, Brunei and Myanmar.
Full postBrazil's Twenty20 competition
Brazil's annual Twenty20 tournament was held on November 8 and 9 in the southern city of Curitiba, bringing together 40 players from around the nation
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
Brazil's annual Twenty20 tournament was held on November 8 and 9 in the southern city of Curitiba, bringing together 40 players from around the nation. Teams from Brasília, São Paulo and Curitiba played a total of six games over the two days. The eventual winner was São Paulo, with 3 wins from four matches.
In terms of cricket development, the Twenty20 showed significant improvement in the skills and game sense of the Brazilian players. Four years ago when the T20 began here, there was one Brazilian player. Now they have a strong contingent of local players who have the ability to match it with seasoned cricket veterans.
Full postCuscatlan Chiefs too strong for Atlacatl Knights
The ESC League finished their first round in mid-October and round two began in November.
Will Luke
25-Feb-2013
The ESC League finished their first round in mid-October and round two began in November.
Round 1 summary
Cuscatlan Chiefs 115 for 4 beat Atlacatl Knights 40 by 75 runs
Some sharp early bowling by Cullen and Carpio saw Chiefs in trouble. They quickly recovered though with useful innings by Reyes, McHugh and Murgatroyd to reach a healthy total of 115. The Knights never looked like they would seriously challenge as A. Portillo claimed two victims in the first over.
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