Origin Cup cricket finals has ironical twist with South Africa to meet Sri Lanka

The draw for the Origin Cup finals has thrown up a number of tantalizing match-ups, none more so than in the Division One final where South Africa will meet Sri Lanka.

The inaugural Origin Cup trophy is up for grabs and nationalistic pride will certainly be on the line.

The finals day will be held at Westpac Park in Hamilton on Sunday, March 23 and is being promoted as a family fun day where a myriad of ethnic communities come together to celebrate their ethnicity with a festival of cricket.

To celebrate this event Northern Districts Cricket is throwing open its doors as an end of summer treat for the people of Hamilton to tour an international cricket venue while enjoying some splendid cricket action.

Events and communications manager for Northern Districts Cricket Gary Taylor remarked: "After the enthusiasm and skill shown in pool play there is no doubt that finals day will see some exciting cricket action. Add to this the passion that the sense of national pride brings and the ingredients are there for friendly competition to be enjoyed by all. It has been gratifying to see such enthusiasm from all the participating ethnic communities for such an organized competition that underlying has a true sense of community spirit. "

The draw for the Origin Cup finals is as follows:

10.00am: Waikato Tamil Society v Indian Magicians (Div One)
10.00am: Sri Lanka v Waikato Tamil Society (Div Two)
12.00pm: Friends of India v Waikato Tamil Society or Indian Magicians (Div One)
12.00pm: South Africa v Sri Lanka or Waikato Tamil Society (Div Two)
2.00pm: Division One Grand Final - South Africa v Sri Lanka
2.00pm: Division Two Grand Final - New Zealand (Sport Waikato) v Desi Country Club (India)