South Africa take out inaugural Origin Cup in dramatic victory over Sri Lanka

In a nail-biting finish to the inaugural Origin Cricket Cup at Westpac Park in Hamilton, South Africa scored seven runs off the final over to achieve victory over a plucky Sri Lankan side.

Set 144 runs to win the match the South Africans fell behind the required run rate but some big hitting towards the end of the innings saw them through to a well deserved victory.

The standard of cricket in the final was exceptional with the outfielding of the South Africans outstanding. The Sri Lankan team contributed to the match with some solid batting and excellent line and length bowling.

In the Division Two final the Desi Country Club overpowered New Zealand (this year represented by Sport Waikato) to win with two overs to spare.

The Origin Cup, a new initiative from Northern Districts Cricket attracted 12 teams representing ethnic communities from throughout the Waikato region for a festival of cricket.

Events and communication manager Gary Taylor remarked: "The concept of Origin Cricket was embraced by those taking part and has huge potential to develop in future years. Northern Districts Cricket is indebted to Hamilton City Council for their support of this event."