Videocon Cup, 2004

Australia took the Videocon Cup, staged in the Netherlands, by winning an exciting slow-burn final against Pakistan. But the tournament itself was a damp squib. Organised as a triangular quickie, with India the third team, as a warm-up for the Champions Trophy in England, it took place in Amsterdam's wettest August since 1912: all four games were affected, only two reached a result, and Sony Max, the Indian broadcasters, reportedly cut their payments from $2m to $1.5m for each of the competing teams' boards. Australia refused to reschedule their two washed-out preliminary fixtures, and managed to qualify for the final without actually completing a game. The Royal Dutch Cricket Association were dependent on gate receipts for a share of the profits, but attendances dwindled after the opening game, between India and Pakistan, which drew the customary throng of expat Asians.

Match reports for

1st Match: India v Pakistan at Amstelveen, Aug 21, 2004
Report | Scorecard

2nd Match: Australia v India at Amstelveen, Aug 23, 2004
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3rd Match: Australia v Pakistan at Amstelveen, Aug 25, 2004
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Final: Australia v Pakistan at Amstelveen, Aug 28, 2004
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