South Africa and Sri Lanka impressive in Origin Cricket Cup pool play

The inaugural Origin Cricket Cup got off to a rollicking start on Sunday with South Africa and Sri Lanka sharing the honours.

The competition, which has attracted 12 teams representing ethnic communities from throughout the region, was played at the home of Northern Districts cricket at Westpac Park in Hamilton. Using Flicx artificial pitches and an experimental format ensuring quick fire matches the opening day proved very successful.

In Section A, South Africa and Sri Lanka had commanding victories in the first round of matches. In the match between the Indian Magicians and Sri Lanka, Rene Ferdinands and Riza Fuard ensured the Sri Lankans would have a competitive total finally reaching 162 from just 14 overs. In reply the Indians made a good start with Kristi Puna to the fore but tight bowling saw them fall short of the target, scoring 110.

In the match between South Africa and the Waikato Tamil Society the South Africans had too much class for a brave Tamil side. The South Africans smashed 190 runs off their 14 overs before bowling out the opposition for 101.

The South Africans went on to play the Friends of India in their second pool match and were made to fight all the way for their victory. Batting first the South Africans showed the depth in their batting by knocking up 143 after losing two quick wickets. In reply the Friends of India batsmen took it to the attack with Forum in particular hitting to all corners. They were unable to maintain the momentum finally being dismissed for 120.

In Section B the New Zealand team sprung something of a surprise chasing 179 for victory against South Africa and hitting the winning run off the last ball of the match. In another section B match the Waikato Tamil Society hit a competitive 98 but some classy batting by Balart and Manito saw the Desi Country Club home in a close finish.

Results:

Section A:

South Africa 193 beat Waikato Tamil Society 110
Sri Lanka 162 beat Indian Magicians 105
South Africa 143 beat Friends of India 115

Section B:

South Africa 163 beat Sri Lanka 37
Desi Country Club 133 beat Waikato Tamil Society 98
South Africa 178 lost to New Zealand A 179
New Zealand B 140 beat Fiji 124

Further matches will be played leading up to the Grand Finals Festival Day to be held on March 23.