WCL Division 3 set to get underway

The top two teams from this event held this week will be one step closer to the dream of competing in the Cricket World Cup in 2015. For the winners and runners-up in Division 3, they will secure their spots in the 2014 World Cup Qualifier set to be held in New Zealand.

This WCL Division 3 tournament features hosts Bermuda, Uganda, Oman, Italy, Nepal and the United States of America. Uganda and Bermuda were relegated from Division 2 in 2011, Oman and Italy remain from the previous Division 3 tournament, while Nepal and USA are recently promoted from Division 4.

The tournament should be a pretty close one with some quite decent teams involved. Hosts Bermuda have struggled in recent years and would need a strong form reversal to progress. They have come way back from the glory days of 2007, but winning this tournament may give them the spark that Bermuda cricket needs right now.

Uganda have been steady over quite a bit of time now. They are ranked #21 in the global one-day rankings, but do not seem to have the talent to jump into the top 20 and really challenge the top associates. They will hope that their push for an increased standing in associate cricket can start now.

Oman had a disappointing ACC T20 tournament recently where they finished fourth in their group, including behind surprise-packets Kuwait. They have some talented cricketers, but I don't really envisage them being able to finish in the top two from this tournament.

Italy are an interesting side to predict, but have been steady improvers of late. Their showing at the 2012 World Twenty20 Qualifer to finish 10th was a great effort considering they placed above four of their rivals in this tournament - USA, Bermuda, Uganda and Oman.

Nepal are probably the form team out of these competing teams. They have had a major rise through the WCL ranks after winning Division 5 in February 2010. They have played some impressive cricket, and they have a massive fan base behind them. They finished an amazing 7th at the WT20 Qualifier last year, showing that they have what it takes to compete with the top associates, albeit in the shortest format. Nepal have beaten better sides then those who lie ahead of them this week, and they should expect to progress.

The United States have chartered a similar path to Nepal in their rise through the World Cricket League. They actually played in the last Division 3 edition but failed to fire finishing last. Their recent form in winning the 2013 ICC Americas Division 1 should hold them in good stead, and I think they will put on a much improved showing than last time in this tournament.

This tournament is the last stage before the World Cup Qualifier next year and is therefore vitally important for these nations in their final attempts to qualify for the World Cup. The winners and runners-up from here would fancy their chances of causing a stir next year, and possibly battling for ODI status, with the likes of Kenya and Canada struggling. I reckon Nepal may the ones to beat which would represent a massive achievement for the cricket proud nation if they could progress. Italy and USA will provide a stern challenge though, Bermuda and Uganda will be competitive, while Oman may struggle to keep up.

Full Fixtures:
28th April: Bermuda vs Uganda
28th April: Italy vs Oman
28th April: Nepal vs United States of America

29th April: Bermuda vs Oman
29th April: Italy vs United States of America
29th April: Nepal vs Uganda

1st May: Bermuda vs Nepal
1st May: Italy vs Uganda
1st May: Oman vs United States of America

2nd May: Bermuda vs Italy
2nd May: Nepal vs Oman
2nd May: Uganda vs United States of America

4th May: Bermuda vs United States of America
4th May: Italy vs Nepal
4th May: Oman vs Uganda

5th May: 5th-place playoff
5th May: 3rd-place playoff
5th May: Final

Namibia T20 Quadrangular Results

The hosts Namibia have prevailed in this T20 Quadrangular tournament also featuring the Netherlands, Kenya and a South Africa Emerging XI. They beat Kenya in the final by 5 wickets, in a tight finish after Nicolaas Scholtz hit the winning runs off the final ball. This will give Namibia some confidence going into the World Twenty20 Qualifiers later this year. With 6 teams qualifying, they would really fancy themselves to qualify for the WT20 in Bangladesh early next year. Considering their disappointing performances to date in the WCL Championship, their T20 form is a consolation.

The other finalists Kenya were also quite impressive, with Namibia the only team they lost to. After finishing 9th in the last World Twenty20 qualifer behind the likes of Nepal and PNG, they will be looking for an improved performance this time around in the UAE later in the year.

Netherlands beat the South Africa Emerging XI by 42 runs, but they will be disappointed in this tournament with that being their only win. This includes losing the only T20 International of the tournament against Kenya, as well as losing an additional T20I to Kenya before the tournament started. Nonetheless their two critical wins in the WCL Championship mean they are on the brink of qualifying for the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Kudos to South Africa for sending a team over to this tournament. With South Africa being the only major competitive nation in the Africas region, they have a responsibility to help out the associates and affiliates. Hopefully Cricket South Africa will be willing to help out in a similar way in the future.

Results:
20th April: Kenya defeated the Netherlands by 7 wickets*
20th April: South Africa Emerging Players defeated Namibia by 7 wickets
21st April: Kenya defeated South Africa Emerging Players by 5 wickets
21st April: Namibia defeated the Netherlands by 45 runs
23rd April: South Africa Emerging Players defeated the Netherlands by 22 runs
23rd April: Namibia defeated Kenya by 8 wickets

24th April: Third place playoff - Netherlands defeated South Africa Emerging Players by 42 runs
24th April: Final - Namibia defeated Kenya by 5 wickets

*T20 International (T20I); all the other fixtures were just T20 status matches

Quite a "gayle" in the IPL!

I have to admit I'm not a big fan of T20 cricket. I see its benefits in the game, but I much prefer test and ODI's on an international level. Therefore it will be not surprise that I won't be posting much on the IPL 54 day extravaganza going on at the moment.

However due to current events I have to make an exception to this. The reason, two words: Chris Gayle.

175* off 66 balls
13 fours
17 sixes
265.15 strike rate
88% of runs in boundaries
Took 30 balls to reach 100

This staggering innings shattered many records including highest T20 score, quickest century (30 deliveries), most sixes hit in an innings (17 and 21-team) and the highest team T20 score (263/5).

I don't think any words can really sum this up, so I'll just let you watch the video below and see for yourselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWavW9biNZ4

(I recognise that this is not my video; it comes from the IPL Youtube Channel (Indiatimes)

I encourage those of you who are passionate about the IPL to have a look at their YouTube channel 

https://www.youtube.com/user/indiatimes

On to the second test!

After Zimbabwe smashed Bangladesh by 335 runs in the first test, the visitors will be looking to bounce back in the second test at the same venue. Zimbabwe meanwhile will be hoping to record a clean-sweep series victory which will give them some much needed confidence after being thoroughly outplayed in the West Indies.

Bangladesh were incredibly disappointing in the first match only making a total of 281 runs across both innings. As a comparison Brendan Taylor made 273 (for 1 I might add). Robiul Islam though collected 9 wickets (including a 6-for in the second innings), in the process becoming the first Bangladeshi paceman to get a five-wicket haul for three years. It really was an impressive performance by Robiul.  Nonetheless as a team Bangladesh came into this tour with their batsmen in some form and the favourites tag placed on them. This was due to them showing some encouraging signs in their recent test sightings against West Indies and Sri Lanka,  If they don't win this second test, you get a sense that it has been one step forward and then two steps back for the tigers.

As I mentioned before Brendan Taylor scored a combined 273 runs. He hit a ton in each innings with his 171 in the first innings being the highest score by a Zimbabwe captain. After a thoroughly disappointing tour to the West Indies only last month, he has come out and reminded the cricket world the talent that he possesses. Without Taylor, only Malcolm Waller scored above 50, so it shows just how important his innings was.

There have been numerous changes made for the second test, with four for Bangladesh. Tamim Iqbal has been rushed back from his injury layoff, while Mominul Haque, debutant Ziaur Rahman and Sajidul Islam (first test in five years) have been drafted in. Mahmudullah after some poor form of late, Shahriar Nafees, Enamul Haque jnr and Rubel Hossain make way. For the home side batsman Regis Chakabva comes in for make-shift opener Timycen Maruma who apparently suffered a knee injury.

Score update:
Lunch Day 2
Zimbabwe 1/0 (1.0 over)
Bangladesh 391 (113.2 overs)

After Zimbabwe won the toss and bowling, Bangladesh have just been bowled out for a good score of 391. Current captain Mushfiqur (81) and the former captain, Shakib (81) steadied the ship after some disappointing stroke-play from the top-order batsmen. Elton Chigumbura took 3 wickets for the home side, while improving paceman Kyle Jarvis struggled at over four an over.

Netherlands one step closer to Australia!

Netherlands have won both WCL Championship matches against Namibia.

Netherlands (269/9) defeated Namibia (237) by 31 runs
In the first match, the Dutch batting first scored 268 on the back of some solid contributions from Wesley Barresi, Tom Cooper and Tom de Grooth. Some late hitting from Mudassar Bukhari and Timm van der Gugten helped the Netherlands to set a more challenging target for the Namibians. The Africans made a good fist of it with Craig Williams playing superbly for his near a run a ball 116. It was fifth List A century and now averages around 35, which is a decent effort. Nicolaas Scholtz did alright for his 37, but a lack of help from the other batsmen, proved Namibia's downfall. Van der Gugten continued his impressive form with three wickets.

Netherlands (240/9) defeated Namibia (236/5) by 1 wicket
The second match was an incredibly close encounter with the Netherlands winning with only 1 wicket to spare and 2 overs remaining. Daan van Bunge controlled the chase of 240 for the Dutch, as at 178/7 things were looking quite dire for them. Earlier Namibia made 236/5 with opener Raymond van Schoor carrying his bat for 93*. Namibia would have been disappointed that despite only losing five wickets, they were unable to post a big score.

The Netherlands are now in a great position in the WCL Championship after picking up a maximum four points from this tour. They puts them into 2nd on 14 points, only behind Ireland who are on 17. The Netherlands have now opened up a sizeable three point gap on the chasing pack of Scotland, Afghanistan, Kenya and UAE. With only four matches left (including two matches against last placed Canada) the Netherlands would be favourites to now claim one of the direct World Cup qualifying spots. Nambia are now effectively out of the top 2 race and are left to focus on getting one of the two remaining spots in the qualifying tournament to be played in New Zealand early next year.

The Netherlands end their African tour with a T20 quadrangular with Kenya, Namibia, and a South Africa Emerging XI, which begins today with a T20I between them and Kenya.

Bangladesh implode on Day 3 of first test

Bangladesh have imploded on Day 3 of the first test match in Harare to be all out for 134. At 102/1 things were looking quite positive with opener Jahrurul Islam on 43 and Mohammad Ashraful at the crease. What followed was a horrendous capitulation. In fact, that's probably an understatement.In the next 19 overs, 9 wickets fell for 32 runs. Yes, that's 32/9. After being 95/1 at stumps that's a loss of 39/9 for Day 3. After lunch there were four wickets for no runs in only 19 deliveries. Just when I thought Bangladesh were on the improve and these kind of collapses were behind them they pull out this. It was probably one of the worst collapses in Bangladesh's history as a test nation, and that's saying something.

Meanwhile on the flipside, Shingi Masakadza picked up four wickets in only his second test match, while impressive paceman Kyle Jarvis also took four wickets. The Zimbabwean bowlers did bowl quite well, but good enough to take 9 wickets for so few runs - no.

This quite remarkable Day 3 comes on the back of an interesting first couple of days which featured the home side making an impressive 389. Captain Brendan Taylor spearheaded the innings with the highest score by a Zimbabwe captain of 171. It truly was an incredible knock. Malcolm Waller played well for his 55. For the Bangladeshi bowlers Enamul Haque jnr bowled 47 overs for his three wickets, while fast bowlers Robiul Islam and Rubel Hossain took five wickets between them. Bangladesh then started their innings really well in positive fashion late on Day 2, and as I said were 95/1 at stumps. We all know what happened though the morning after!

Current State of play:
Zimbabwe lead Bangladesh by 255 runs
Bangladesh 134
Zimbabwe 389

Zimbabwe have chosen not to enforce the follow on, which means they will bat again in search of posting a total that is out of the away team's reach.

Associate and Affiliate cricket update

Namibia beat the Netherlands in their ICC Intercontinental Cup clash last week by 82 runs. It was relatively close throughout the match with Netherlands needing 319 in the final innings to win. Bernard Scholtz was he chief destroyer taking five wickets (six in total). Raymond van Schoor scored a century in the first innings, while Tom Cooper, the dashing no.3 batsman fought bravely with an 89 and 103. This win steers Namibia into 3rd behind runaway leader Ireland, as well as Afghanistan, while the Netherlands are in a disappointing 6th, only above the UAE and Canada.

Meanwhile transgressing from the top of the World Cricket League to the bottom, Division 7 took place in Botswana with the hosts, Nigeria, Germany, Vanuatu, Fiji and Ghana taking place. Vanuatu and Nigeria made the final with Nigeria coming out on top to be promoted to Division 6. Vanuatu are also promoted, while Botswana (3rd) and Fiji (4th) will remain in Division 7, while Ghana (5th) and Germany (6th) are relegated to Division 8. Vanuatu have done quite well as they have now been moved up from Division 8 to Division 6; which is an impressive achievement for the pacific nation. Nigeria and Vanuatu will join hosts Jersey, Argentina, Bahrain and Kuwait for Division 6 of the World Cricket League in July. Don't forget that these World Cricket League matches form part of the qualification pathway to the 2019 Cricket World Cup to be held in England.

Check out the global one-day rankings to see the progress made by your country!

Battle of the lightweights

Yes, there is actually a test series about to begin. No, it may not be up to the calibre of the Ashes or the no.1 ranked South Africans, but it will be an intriguing contest. I'm of course talking about the Bangladesh tour of Zimbabwe. Despite the majority of the cricket world being absorbed by the IPL, these two nations have a lot to play for. For the traditionalists out there (me included), it is still test cricket, and any matches that we can get in this age of schedules filled with T20, is wonderful.

There is definitely pride at stake in this short two test match series (As an aside, I really it was 3 matches, but with Zimbabwe Cricket in financial ruin, I guess I can understand). Since Zimbabwe's re-introduction into test cricket in 2011, their only win has come against the tigers. Bangladesh were beaten comprehensively on that tour also losing the ODI series to the home side. This time Bangladesh will be out for revenge and wanting to prove to the cricket world that they are the better side and should not be pigeonholed as a "minnow" with Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe have just come back from West Indies where they were thoroughly outplayed in the test series, losing it 0-2. That was their first test l cricket assignment though in over 12 months, so their performance can be forgiven somewhat. However now that they blown some of the cobwebs out, they really need to play well in these two matches. If Zimbabwe are going to get a test match win in the near future, this is undoubtedly their best opportunity.

Bangladesh meanwhile have played well of late, as they managed to draw a test in the series against Sri Lanka. Impressive showings from their batsmen especially, will mean they will have high hopes from this tour. Bangladesh cannot simply afford to lose (or even draw this series). They have started to take some encouraging steps in the last six months, and they need to stamp their authority on Zimbabwe. They need to show the world that they are a much better side than the African nation.

Even talking about the rankings seems pointless for these two sides as Bangladesh are stuck on the bottom of the table with only 1 point, while Zimbabwe are unranked having played an insufficient number of matches. I'm not sure on how many more games they require to play in order to be ranked, but currently on points they would be ahead of Bangladesh (solely due to their win in 2011).

Squads:
Zimbabwe (1st test): B.Taylor (c), E.Chigumbura, G.Cremer, K.Jarvis, T.Maruma, H.Masakadza, S.Masakadza, R.Mutumbami, K.Meth, V.Sibanda, M.Waller 

Bangladesh: M.Rahim (c), E.Haque jnr, J.Islam, Mahmudullah, M.Ashraful, M.Haque, N.Hossain, R.Islam, R.Hossain, S.Islam, S.Hossain, S.Nafees, S. Al Hasan, S.Gazi, T.Iqbal

Zimbabwe have had plenty of issues with their squad with a dispute over winter contracts which left batsman Craig Ervine choosing to play club cricket in England instead. Bangladesh welcome back Shakib al Hasan, although he will only bat in the first test, while Tamim is not likely to be fit until the second test.

Fixtures:
1st Test: 17-21st April
2nd Test: 25th-29th April
*Both matches are being played at Harare Sports Club.

I am hoping for a closely fought series, although the home advantage will definitely help Zimbabwe. Nonetheless with Bangladesh's impressive recent form and their experience over their rivals, I am predicting a 2-0 series win for them.

Global One-Day Rankings

I have created a new page on the site titled "Global One-Day Rankings." I have always admired football as the no.1 international sport. FIFA have a complete rankings system with all countries that play at an international level. Cricket is different with countries really only playing in set divisions. For instance you will never see a one day game between South Africa and Singapore. Nonetheless the World Cricket League provides for competitive 50 over cricket for associate and affiliate nations, as well as providing a qualifying pathway for the Cricket World Cup. These rankings that I have tabulated show each country's ranking in the current structure of global one-day cricket. Keep an eye on the rankings and track your country's progress!

Netherlands tour of Namibia begins

Netherlands' two week tour of Namibia began overnight with Day 1 of the Intercontinental Cup Match. Netherlands are currently languishing in 7th place, while Namibia are in 4th. It was a close tussle on the first day, with the visitors perhaps just coming out on top. Namibia made 264/7 with Raymond van Schoor scoring a hundred. Him and captain and Sarel Burger rescued the African side after being perilously placed at 53/4 at one stage. The two put on 163 for the fifth wicket with van Schoor making 110 and Burger 71. No-one else for the home side managed to do anything of note, with the Dutch bowlers impressing. In particular Timm van der Gugten picked up his first five wicket haul in first class cricket. Van der Gugten actually plays for New South Wales in Australian state cricket. Therefore along with opener Tom Cooper, the Netherlands side continues to have a strong Australian influence, after Dirk Nannes pulled on the orange jersey a couple of years ago in the World T20.

The most important part of the tour is undoubtedly the two World Cup qualifying matches. The two teams' current rankings are reversed from the four day competition - with the Netherlands in fourth, and Namibia in 7th. Namibia really need a 2-0 series win to keep alive any hope of securing one of the two automatic qualifying spots available. Netherlands meanwhile would love to win both games, which would springboard them up to 2nd, with a three point buffer on the chasing pack of Scotland and Afghanistan. With only 2 rounds remaining, this could prove crucial.

There has been a change made to the T20 portion of the tour which has only been averted to my attention. Instead of a two match T20 series between the two teams, a four team T20 quadrangular has been organised. Namibia (the hosts) will clash with the touring Netherlands, fellow African side Kenya, as well as a South Africa Emerging XI. I think this is a extremely positive idea, especially with a South Africa XI, which will allow the associate sides to face some talented youngsters from the full member country. With the all important World Twenty20 Qualifier coming up later this year in the UAE, and with six teams to qualify, the more match practice for the teams, the better.

Full Tour Fixtures:
11th April - 14th April: Namibia VS Netherlands
ICC Intercontinental Cup Match (First Class)

16th April: Namibia VS Netherlands
WCL Championship Match (List A)

18th April: Namibia VS Netherlands
WCL Championship Match (List A)

20th April: Kenya VS Netherlands
T20 International

20th April: Namibia VS South Africa Emerging Players
T20

21st April: Kenya VS South Africa Emerging Players
T20

21st April: Namibia VS Netherlands
T20

23rd April: Netherlands VS South Africa Emerging Players
T20

23rd April: Namibia VS Kenya
T20

23rd April:Third place playoff
T20I/T20

23rd April: Final
T20I/T20

*All matches played at Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek 

Development of Irish cricket

Good news has come out of Ireland with a huge spike in the number of participants in the game. According to this ICC article, the overall participation figure is up to around 40,000 - a 60% increase since Ireland's World Cup feats of two years ago. This really is great news and shows that Irish cricket is developing really well at the grassroots level. As Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland stated, Ireland does have a goal to be a test nation by 2020, and this recent surge in playing number is a significant step along the way to this objective.

The provisional squads have been released for the three teams competing in the Inter-provincial series. Leinster Lightning on paper seem to have the strongest squad with a significant number of players having represented the national side before. Current player and former Ireland skipper Trent Johnston has been announced as player-coach. Johnston has said he wants to coach in the future, and this appointment is a sign that his transition from player to coach is one step closer.

ICC article: http://www.icc-cricket.com/newsdetails.php?newsId=23291_1365581040

Cricket Europe articles about Inter-provincial series
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES6/articles/000030/003079.shtml
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES6/articles/000031/003106.shtml
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES6/articles/000031/003102.shtml
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES6/articles/000030/003092.shtml