Afghanistan downs Nepal in reduced-overs clash at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2013 

Scotland defeats Group B leader the Netherlands, Ireland outclasses Uganda, Hong Kong defeats USA, and UAE overcomes Canada 

Rain forces PNG v Denmark match to be abandoned

The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) is pleased to confirm that the BCB National Academy (BCBNA), supported by the XL Foundation and the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, will be starting it’s winter training program on Sunday 24 November for the U13 and U15 age-groups. The program follows the same specialist coaching format as the 2012/2013 winter program in which players work in their specialist areas of batting, pace bowling, spin bowling and wicketkeeping. Players will be assessed on a regular basis and will be working to meet certain targets throughout the program.

As a member of the Academy, players are able to attend an optional cricket development tour to South Africa in February 2014. During the tour, players will spend three coaching sessions at Boland Academy and Newlands, play at least six cricket games against local schools and possibly watch some First Class senior cricket. In addition to regular cricket games and training, several excursions have been designed to engage the players in the culture including a visit to a museum, a local school, a safari tour and excursions to Robben Island, Houtbay & Cape Point. Players have been working diligently throughout the year to raise funds to pay for this once in a life-time experience. 

President of the BCB, Lloyd Fray stated,

“I would like to thank the XL Foundation and the Bank of Bermuda Foundation for their continued support of our Academy program, which has received ICC recognition and provides high quality one on one and team coaching to players as well as character development activities throughout. As a member of the Academy, players are expected to maintain the core standards of attendance, discipline, respect, courtesy, learning and enjoyment are key to the continued membership of all players in the Academy. The Academy provides young talented and aspiring cricketers the opportunity to develop cricket and life skills through enjoyable and challenging cricket and character building activities.” 

Derrick Brangman celebrates bowling Nehemiah Odhiambo of Kenya during the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier match between Bermuda and Kenya at the ICC Academy on November 21, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-IDI/IDI via Getty Images).

Porterfield’s record-breaking 127 not out gives Ireland fourth successive win at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2013

Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Netherlands also win on day six

William Porterfield posted the highest individual score in the history of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier as Ireland extended its unbeaten run to four matches in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2013 (WT20Q) at the Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Left-handed Porterfield clubbed 12 fours and five sixes in a 69-ball 127 as Ireland posted a colossal 216 for three against the United States of America (USA). In turn, the USA was bowled out for 141 in 19.3 overs to suffer its third defeat in four outings.

At the ICC Academy Oval 1, former champion Afghanistan made short work of Bermuda with an eight wicket victory. Mohammad Shahzad clubbed nine fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 36-ball 60, including a six off the final delivery, as Mohammad Nabi’s side surpassed the 102-run target in less than 10 overs.

This was Afghanistan’s third straight victory in the competition, after making a poor start by losing to the Netherlands by seven wickets on Friday, the first day of the tournament.

Elsewhere, Hong Kong notched up its fourth victory in five matches when it outfoxed Namibia by eight wickets, thanks to spinners Nadeem Ahmed (three for 18) and Munir Dar (two for 18) sharing five wickets between them before skipper Jamie Atkinson hit 50, while a man of the match performance by Mudassar Bukhari (three for 15) helped the Netherlands beat Nepal by five wickets at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

By virtue of this victory, the Dutch have taken sole possession of the number-one spot in Group B with eight points (four wins and one loss) while Nepal remains in second place with six points (three wins and two loses).

The star of the sixth day was Ireland captain William Porterfield, who become the sixth batsman to score a century in the history of the tournament and fourth batsman after Irfan Ahmed (Hong Kong), Tony Ura (Papua New Guinea) and Rakep Patel (Kenya) to reach three figures in the first five days of the current tournament.

While smashing 127 not out, he also eclipsed the record of Namibia’s LP van der Westhuizen, an unconquered 106 against Scotland in 2012. Two days later in the same competition, Calum MacLeod of Scotland scored 104 not out against Oman.

Porterfield, later named man of the match, made the USA pay dearly for putting Ireland in to bat when he featured in a solid 94-run first wicket partnership with Stirling (25) in just over eight overs, which laid the foundation for the intimidating total of 216 for three. 

Porterfield, who was adjudged the ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year at the LG ICC Awards in 2009, then put on 65 runs in an unfinished fourth wicket stand with John Mooney, whose contribution in the partnership was 32 runs off 13 balls, with two fours and as many sixes.

The USA made a brave start to its target chase when it reached 30 without the loss of a wicket in three overs. After that, however, the side could not maintain the required run-rate nor keep wickets intact, and was bowled out for 141 in 19.3 overs.

Stirling followed up his 25 with three for 25 while Mooney rounded off a good day with bowling figures of two for 18.

Points table

Group A

Fixtures for Thursday 21 November (Day 7):

Ireland v Italy, (1000-1300), Abu Dhabi Oval 1, Abu Dhabi

Uganda v USA (1400-1700), Abu Dhabi Oval 2, Abu Dhabi

Scotland v PNG, (1000-1300), ICC Academy Oval 1, Dubai

Afghanistan v Denmark, (1000-1300), ICC Academy Oval 2, Dubai

Bermuda v Kenya, (1400-1700), ICC Academy Oval 2, Dubai

Afghanistan  and Ireland record thrilling victories on day three of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2013

Namibia overcomes USA, Netherlands defeats Bermuda

Ireland and Afghanistan were stretched to the limits by their respective opponents before seizing victory on the third day of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2013 (WT20Q) on Sunday.

Ireland showed nerves of steel to beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by five runs at Abu Dhabi Oval 2 after the home side had needed nine runs from the final seven deliveries with four wickets standing, while Afghanistan beat Papua New Guinea (PNG) by six wickets by the Duckworth-Lewis method, needing four runs for victory in the last over and securing victory on the last delivery with a boundary coming off byes.

In the other two matches of the day, Namibia recorded its first victory when it defeated the United States of America (USA) by 35 runs at Abu Dhabi Oval 1, and the Netherlands notched up its second win when it registered a comfortable eight wickets victory over Bermuda.

In the feature match at Abu Dhabi Oval 2, Kevin O’Brien (47) and Gary Wilson (53 not out) put on 92 runs for the fourth wicket in under 13 overs to guide defending champion Ireland to 138 for five in windy and sandy conditions.

Trent Johnston then brought all his experience to play and conceded only two runs in the final over of the match as the home side was bowled out for 133 with one ball to spare, after requiring nine runs off the last over and losing three wickets in six balls.

O’Brien was declared man of the match for his run-a-ball 47, which included two fours and a six. This was Ireland’s third successive victory in three outings in the tournament.

At Sharjah Cricket Stadium, openers Assad Vala (28) and Tony Ura (56, 49 balls, 5x4, 2x6) put on 76 runs in just under 11 overs and former England international Geraint Jones clubbed five fours in a brisk nine-ball 24 as PNG collected 167 for six in 20 overs.

Before Afghanistan could start its reply, rain came down in force, and, when the ground was declared fit, Afghanistan’s target was revised to 69 in seven overs.

The Asian side batted well to reach 65 for three after six overs before Charles Amini made the match interesting, having Samiullah Shenwari stumped on the penultimate ball with top scorer and captain Mohammad Nabi (36 not out) standing at the non-striker’s end. However, a boundary off byes sealed the match in Afghanistan’s favour and gave the former champion its second successive victory in the competition.

With the bat, the day’s star performers were Netherlands’ Stephan Myburgh (78 not out), PNG’s Tony Ura (56) and Gary Wilson (53 not out), while bowling honours went to Afghanistan’s Samiullah Shenwari (three for 23), Netherlands’ Ahsan Malik (two for two for 15), USA’s Bernard Scholtz (two for 18) and Ireland’s Max Sorensen (two for 17).

Stirling half century leads Ireland to 32-run victory on day one

Afghanistan defeated by the Netherlands

Nepal’s Paras Khadka leads the way with the bat to victory over Denmark

A half century from Paul Stirling saw Ireland commence its title defense with a 32-run victory over Namibia in the opening match of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2013 (WT20Q) at Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Friday.

After being sent in to bat, Ireland set the tone early, with openers William Porterfield and Stirling putting on an 84-run stand that included seven fours and three sixes.  After Porterfield was dismissed for 33, Stirling reached a half century (52), before Kevin O’Brien (28) and Niall O’Brien (26) added to the scoreboard.  Max Sorensen was run out on the final ball of the innings to leave Ireland at 166 for five.

Raymond van Schoor anchored the Namibia run chase, though wickets fell at regular intervals around him.  The side lost four wickets in the final four overs to reach a total of 134 for seven, with van Schoor still at the crease on 48 not out.

Runner-up at the 2012 tournament Afghanistan suffered a seven-wicket first-day defeat at the hands of the Netherlands at Sharjah Stadium.  After electing to bat, Afghanistan was restricted by the Netherlands bowling attack, with only Mohammad Shahzad (20) and Dawlat Khan Zadran (19) scoring double figures.  After Shahzad was dismissed in the 11^th over, Afghanistan was reeling at 50 for five, and never recovered.  When Hamza Hotak was run out in the final over, Afghanistan’s total was 90.

In response, Netherlands posted 92 for the loss of three wickets inside of 13 overs.  Captain Peter Borren led the way with 38 not out, but handy contributions from Eric Szwarczynski (24) and Stephan Myburgh (21) saw Netherlands chase down its target with seven wickets in hand.  For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi took two wickets for 18 runs.

Also at Sharjah Stadium, Bermuda scored a first-day victory when it defeated Scotland by 18 runs.  After electing to bat, Bermuda lost wickets at regular intervals, but key contributions with the bat were made by Dion Stovell (29), Lionel Cann (27) and Allan Douglas II (21) to keep the run rate ticking over, and the side posted 149 for seven from its 20 overs. 

For Scotland, Gordon Goudie, Majid Haq and Iain Wardlaw claimed two wickets apiece.

After losing two wickets in the first two overs, Scotland steadied its run chase, with opener Richie Berrington scoring 29, before captain Kyle Coetzer struck 37 from 39 balls, and Rob Taylor contributed 26.

However, Jacobi Robinson (3-8) and  Janeiro Tucker (3-22)  combined to capture six wickets in six overs to dismiss Scotland for 131 and seize victory for Bermuda.

Nepal recorded victory over Denmark by five wickets in front of an exuberant crowd at ICC Academy 2.  The Nepal bowlers heavily restricted the Denmark batsmen , with opener Yasir Iqbal (17), Bashir Shah (18) and captain Michael Pedersen (15) the only players able to break into double figures, with Denmark reaching 79 in its final over.  For Nepal, Sagar Pun took three wickets for 12 runs.

Nepal’s response saw two wickets fall in the first two overs, however, a captain’s knock of 48 from Paras Khadka saw the side reach its target of 80 in the twelfth over for the loss of three wickets.

The clash of regional rivals saw the USA defeat Canada by five wickets with one ball remaining at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.  After being sent in to bat, Canada scored 137 from its 20 overs, with Jimmy Hansra (39) and Rizwan Cheema (28) making the main contributions with the bat. 

In response, the USA started slowly, losing four wickets in the first seven overs to be at 41 for 4.  However, a final wicket stand of 77 between Srinivasa Santhanam (28) and man of the match  Timroy Allen (50 not out) saw the USA reach its required total of 138 on the penultimate ball of the innings.

Also in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong’s Hasseb Amjad claimed a five-for (5-12) to lead his side to victory over Italy by seven wickets at Abu Dhabi Oval 1.  Amjad ripped through the middle order to help restrict the European side to 110 for eight from its 20 overs, despite a run-a-ball 41 from Carl Sandri. 

Hong Kong lost an early wicket before Waqas Barkat steadied the ship, scoring 51 not out from 60 balls to still be at the crease when Hong Kong reached its target of 11 for the loss of three wickets inside 19 overs.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) recorded a four-wicket victory over Kenya at ICC Academy 2 thanks to a 73-run partnership between Kila Pala (46) and Geraint Jones (44).

After electing to bat, Kenya posted 176 for 5 from 20 overs, with captain Collins Obuya striking seven boundaries to finish on 53 not out.

PNG’s run chase started in earnest, and, despite losing wickets regularly, Tony Ura’s eight-ball 25 and the 62-ball partnership of Pala and Jones helped PNG to reach its target of 177 for the loss of six wickets inside 18 overs.

At Abu Dhabi Oval 1, host UAE defeated Uganda by eight wickets, after restricting the visitor to 88 for eight.  Mpho Selowa and Davis Arinaitwe each scored a patient 22, however, wickets fell regularly as the UAE bowling attack restricted the run rate, and Uganda posted 88 from its 20 overs.

In response, a half century from Shaiman Anwar (54) saw the host chase down the total inside 15 overs.  Brian Masaba struck in the final over to claim two wickets, but it was not enough to stop the UAE reaching its target of 89.

Ireland secures 2-run victory over Canada on day two of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2013

Bermuda surprises Denmark, Nepal topples Kenya and PNG upsets the Netherlands

Afghanistan, Italy, Hong Kong and UAE record wins

Namibia-UAE, Ireland-Canada, Afghanistan-Scotland matches live-streamed at www.icc-cricket.com

Ireland continued its winning form on day two of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier UAE 2013 (WT20Q) to record a nail-biting two-run victory over Canada at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday. It was one of three matches live-streamed from the second day of the tournament on the ICC website www.icc-cricket.com.

After being sent into bat, the Irish middle order piled on the runs, with Trent Johnston top scoring with 39 not out, Kevin O'Brien striking 31, Niall O'Brien scoring 27 and Gary Wilson scoring 24.  The loss of Wilson’s wicket in the 18^th over left Ireland at 133 for five, and Johnston combined with John Mooney (14 not out) to add another 35 runs to lead Ireland to a total of 168 for five from 20 overs.

Canada’s response started in the worst possible way, losing Hiral Patel and Rizwan Cheema on the first two deliveries. Ruvindu Gunasekera (65) and Ashish Bagai (67 not out) solidified a quick recovery and maintained a high run rate, leaving Canada in with a chance in the final over, requiring 14 runs.  Despite a six and a four, Canada only managed to score 11 from the over to reach 166 for three, and Ireland recorded a two-run victory to make it two from two.

Day two of the tournament saw three more upsets, with PNG continuing its giant-slaying trend, defeating the Netherlands by 52 runs at ICC Academy 1, following a 60-ball 100 from Tony Ura. At the same venue, Bermuda overcame Denmark by nine wickets, while at ICC Academy 2, Nepal upset Kenya by six wickets despite a century from Rakep Patel (103).

In other matches on the second day, Afghanistan recorded victory over the Netherlands by 17 runs, Hong Kong defeated Uganda by four wickets, Italy defeated the USA by six wickets, and Namibia was victorious over the UAE by five wickets.

The star batsmen of the day were Kenya’s Rakep Patel (103), PNG’s Tony Ura (100), the USA’s Steven Taylor (91), Italy’s Gareth Berg (90) and Canada’s Ashish Bagai (67 not out).

Amongst the bowlers, the star performers included Uganda’s Roger Mukasa (four for 23), Hong Kong’s Tanwir Afzal and PNG’s Norman Vanua (each claimed three for 12),UAE’s Rohan Mustafa (three for 14), Bermuda’s Derrick Brangman (three for 29) and Scotland’s Iain Wardlaw (three for 40).

As you are aware the WT20 Qualifier gets underway tomorrow,  The streamed games will only be available on the ICC website and access via to this link www.icc-cricket.com