SCA International Women’s Cricket T-20 Challange, 2nd-5th July,2012, Singapore

THAILAND MAKE HISTORY

The Thailand National Women’s set history on the 5th of July by beating Japan in the finals of SCA International Women’s T20 cricket championship. The Thai women’s team which has been rapidly progressing over the last four years truly deserved this tournament. The completion was between teams from Hong-Kong, Singapore, Australia and Japan. It was played 4 days in Singapore where Singapore Cricket Association hosted the tournament.

The last match of the round robin tournament at Kallang Ground looked likely to be one of the most interesting as the impressive Thai Women’s side faced Singapore who were hoping to achieve their second win of the competition to join Hong Kong in the third and fourth place. Thailand beat Singapore by 44 runs and proceeded to the final comfortably.

Games were played at Kallang ground in Singapore, which has also staged the WCL-5 in recent times.  Japan won the toss and elected to bat but was in trouble from the start as Chanida Sutthiruang took a wicket in the second over. The game was restricted to 15 overs due to rain.  Thailand gave another outstanding performance in the field to dismiss their opponents for just 69 for 5 off 15 overs. Nattaya, Khamla and Chanida took 1 wicket each for Thailand.

The Thais had found batting a harder proposition than bowling thus far in the competition when both of the openers Pundarika and Chaiwai got out in 1 run in the score board. Then the captain Sornnarin played a knock of 18 runs and partnered of 29 runs with Nattakan in the 3rd wicket.  It was left to Vice-captain Nattaya Boochatham to seal victory as she made a unbeaten 19 runs from 19 balls with two boundaries, as Thailand won by four wickets with 3.2 overs remaining.

The value of preparation and dedication has been clearly demonstrated and the performances of the team have shown that there can be a bright future for cricket in Thailand in coming years. These talented players will be seen again playing in under-19 tournaments and for the senior Thailand side who face ACC WOMENS ASIA CUP 2012 competition at the end of the year.  This has indeed been another big milestone for Thailand cricket and the proud association eyes many more milestones to come.

Singapore Cricket Association (SCA) was hosted the tournament where 5 international women’s team took part. The participated teams were:
1.         Hong Kong Cricket Association
2.         Cricket Association of Thailand
3.         Japan Cricket Association.
4.         Cricket Without Borders (Victoria, Australia)
5.         Singapore Cricket Association.

This tournament was conceived as there was a lack of international tournaments for women’s cricket in this region. Hopefully this tournament will be continued in the next year hosted by one of the participating associations.

Participating Team

• Japan Cricket Association
• Cricket Association of Thailand
• Hong Kong Cricket Association
• Singapore Cricket Association
• Cricket Without Borders(Victoria)

Venues: KALLANG GROUND INDIAN ASSOCIATION GROUND (20 OVERS A SIDE )

DAY - 1

DAY - 2

FINAL

SCA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CRICKET T-20 POINTS TABLE