Indian all-rounder Piyush Chawla and New Zealand’s Lou Vincent complete the Woodworm All Stars lineup for next week’s Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.
The pair will link up with Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya and Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi – two of the best batsmen in the world – in an impressive squad backed by equipment and kit manufacturer Woodworm.
South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs, Australian Shaun Tait and Holland’s Ryan ten Doeshcate are the other members of the team looking to become the first All Star side to win the showpiece.
The 22-year-old Chawla comes in as a replacement for all- rounder Abdul Razzaq who has opted to lead Pakistan at the October-28-30 tournament at Kowloon Cricket Club.
Vincent played 23 Tests and 102 one-day internationals for New Zealand. His knock of 172 against Zimbabwe in 2006 is the highest score by a New Zealand batsman in ODIs.
“The pair will both bring key ingredients to the side,” said Hong Kong Cricket Association president Shahzada Saleem.
Continuing their commitment to rugby, both on a domestic and international level, Emirates Airline has recently announced their sponsorship of a new 15-a-side tournament – the Emirates Four Nations Cup.
The weeklong event will take place from December 9 to 16 at the Sevens, immediately after highly popular Dubai Rugby 7′s tournament.
This initiative, developed by UAE Rugby and supported by the Hong Kong RFC, ARFU and the IRB, will provide an extra layer of activity identified by the IRB as being critical to the development of nations who wish to improve their international rugby standing.
As the first cross border and cross continent tournament of its kind, the Emirates Four Nations Cup will allow four ambitious National XV’s teams to play more international games providing greater preparation for their respective Regional Tournaments and IRB competitions.
The four teams competing in 2011′s inaugural Emirates Four Nations Cup are: Kenya (Confederation of African Rugby), Brazil (Confederación Sudamericana de Rugby), Hong Kong (Asian Rugby Football Union) and host nation, UAE (Asian Rugby Football Union).
Najeeb Amar will return from international retirement to lead Hong Kong at the 2011 Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes at the Kowloon Cricket Club on October 28-30.
Left-arm spinner Najeeb stepped down as captain soon after Hong Kong had successfully finished in the top four at the ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament in Dubai earlier this year.
But the lure of the Sixes, where he has been a star turn, has persuaded Najeeb to return and he will lead a strong local outfit who will be seeking to repeat their heroics of 2009 when they shocked the big guns to storm into the Cup final before bowing out to South Africa.
“We have a very strong side with a good mix of experienced hands as well as new faces. I think we will go very well this time,’ said Hong Kong national coach Charlie Burke.
Apart from Najeeb, the spin department will include veteran Munir Dar and Peter Wooden while Tanvir Afzaal and newcomer Haseeb Amjad will provide the medium-pace. Nizakat Khan, one of the outstanding players for Hong Kong in recent months and teenage debutant Babar Hayat will make up the rest of the team.
“Babar Hayat is just 18 and has only recently qualified to play for Hong Kong internationally. He is a big striker of the ball and I’m sure he will do very well as will Haseeb who is a fine all-rounder,” Burke said.
Hayat will also take over the wicket-keeping duties ruling out Hussain Butt from the equation.
A view of the SA/Hong Kong match from the commentators’ box at KCC (Video: Mike Jansen)
Hong Kong has frequently troubled all the big teams in this tournament and Burke will be hoping for more of the same as Najeeb and his men go in hunt of a big scalp or two.
“I believe we have the players who can upset any of the bigger sides on the day,” said captain Shahzada Saleem, president of the Hong Kong Cricket Association.
Hong Kong is grouped with last year’s finalists Pakistan, South Africa and India in the preliminary round of the 12-team tournament, which will be played over three days for the first time in the history of the competition.
Also for the first time, an international Twenty20 (T20) match will be played on the Friday, when the All Stars take on a combined world outfit comprising of players from each of the other countries.
Hong Kong Squad: Najeeb Amar (captain, pictured below), Tanvir Afzaal, Munir Dar, Nizakat Khan, Babar Hayat, Haseeb Amjad, Peter Wooden.
Fiery all-rounder Jacob Oram will lead New Zealand at the Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2011 and believes he has the ammunition to win the tournament for the first time for his country.
The New Zealand squad for the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes has been selected from the One Day International and T20 squads representing New Zealand on its tour of Zimbabwe starting 15 October 2011 in Harare.
The experience will stand the Black Caps in good stead in a challenging Pool at the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes and offers tournament organizers a wealth of options when selecting players to hit out against the Sixes All Stars in the first ever T20 match to be played at the Sixes on Friday afternoon, October 28.
Oram (pictured above), a powerful left-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler, will be at the helm of a team that also includes former test representatives and more-than useful all-rounders Nathan McCullum and James Franklin, who is currently playing in the IPL Champions League.
“We have put together a competitive squad and will go into the tournament with high hopes of winning,” said the six-foot six-inch Oram who plays for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.
New Zealand have never won the Sixes, but the mix of experience and youth is a blend that will give the Kiwis a potency as they seek to lift the US$50,000 winner’s purse at the 12-team event from October 28-30 at the Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC).
Apart from right-arm off spinner McCullum and left-arm fast bowler Franklin, the rest of the squad comprises Rob Nicol, (New Zealand Cricket’s domestic player of the year last season), Luke Woodcock, Kieran Noema-Barnett and Derek de Boorder.
“A number of players have international experience but we also have a couple of young guys who will be representing their country for the first time,” Oram said.
One to watch out for will be Noema-Barnett, a destructive batsman who has had a splendid domestic season this year, while much is expected also of wicket-keeper batsman De Boorder.
“We have a very good line up all-rounders and I’m confident we have the squad to win the tournament,” Oram added.
Oram is eagerly anticipating his debut at the Hong Kong Sixes, saying “I love the format as its quick and entertaining and I look forward to experiencing the culture and all that Hong Kong has to offer.”
The Black Caps will face an early challenge when they come up against top seeds, the All Stars, who boast explosive batsmen like Sanath Jayasuriya, Shahid Afridi and Herschelle Gibbs in their lineup. The rest of the opposition in pool A includes Sri Lanka and debutants Scotland.
The defending champions, trans-Tasman rivals Australia, head pool B which comprises England, Bangladesh and a powerful Ireland outfit who will be led by Kevin O’Brien, the player who holds the record for the fastest World Cup century, off just 50 balls. Pool C includes last year’s runners-up Pakistan, South Africa, India and hosts Hong Kong.
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Kevin O’Brien, the man who holds the record for the fastest World Cup century, against England at this year’s tournament in India, will lead a powerful Ireland team for the Karp Group Hong Kong Sixes at the Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC)next month.
O’Brien, who stunned England with a blistering century off just 50 balls which resulted in Ireland successfully chasing down a total of 328, will captain a team that includes five of his World Cup teammates as the leading international cricket associate member makes its debut in Hong Kong.
O’Brien’s older brother Niall will keep wicket, while opening batsman Paul Stirling is another who looks perfectly suited to Sixes, having smashed an explosive century off just 72 balls which guided Ireland to victory over the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Left-arm spinner George Dockrell is also included, along with Alex Cusack and John Mooney, with the only uncapped player being Max Sorensen.
It’s a perfect platform for us to get a look at Max, and see how he makes the step up,” said Ireland’s West Indian coach Phil Simmons. “From what I’ve seen, he’s exactly the type of cricketer I’m looking for. He can bowl quick, hits the ball far and is an exceptional fielder who is supremely fit.”
Ireland has been drawn alongside defending champions Australia, England and Bangladesh at the October 28-30 Hong Kong Sixes. After the heroics at the World Cup, opponents will ignore Ireland at their peril.
Fans are looking forward to another exciting Hong Kong Cricket Sixes (Pic: Chingwai Li/Sixes FaceBook Group)
First-ever T20
In addition to playing in the tournament, one player from the Ireland side will be invited to face the Hong Kong Cricket All Stars in a nine-aside T20 match on Friday afternoon at 3.00pm. The match will be the first international T20 match ever held in Hong Kong.
“This is a very strong side and one which is capable of upsetting anyone on their day. We saw what they did to England at the World Cup and I’m sure none of their pool opponents will take Ireland lightly,” said Shahzada Saleem, president of the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA).
Both Kevin O’Brien and Paul Stirling were amongst the shortlisted players for the ICC Associates and Affiliates 2011 Player of the Year which was ultimately won by Ryan ten Doeschate of the Netherlands, who will figure for the All Stars at the Karp Group Hong Kong Sixes.
Ireland and Scotland will make their debut at the highly-anticipated tournament which has been expanded to 12 teams and three days of competition this year.
The shorter format will continue to play a big part of Ireland’s calendar next year, with the ICC World Twenty20 qualifier taking place in the United Arab Emirates in March, with the top two from the 16-team event going on to the finals in Sri Lanka in September.
With a lot at stake, the stage is set for Ireland to make a stunning debut at the Hong Kong Sixes.
Ireland squad:
Kevin O’Brien (Gloucestershire, capt), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), George Dockrell (Somerset), John Mooney (North County), Niall O’Brien (Northants), Max Sorensen (The Hills), Paul Stirling (Middlesex)
With the support of the Hong Kong Tourism Commission’s Mega Events Fund, the Karp Group Cricket Sixes 2011 is set to be the biggest and best clash in the 19-year history of the Tournament. The Hong Kong Sixes has been an official “M Mark” event since 2004.
For all the latest on Rugby Sevens as well as the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes add me @BlitzBokke
Cricket South Africa (CSA) today named the South African squad to take part in the annual Hong Kong Sixes’ tournament.
The tournament takes place at the Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC) in the city’s Jordan district from October 28-30.
“We have followed the standard procedure of getting each franchise to nominate a player so that we do not disadvantage franchises from their domestic competition requirements,” commented CSA selection convener Andrew Hudson.
“This is a very important tournament for players who have been identified as having the potential to represent the Proteas. We always put an emphasis on young talent and we look forward to the performances of the likes of Mangaliso Mosehle, 21, a former SA Under-19 Cricketer of the Year, and Matthew Hulett, 20, this year’s CSA amateur one-day Player of the Year.
“There is also a good balance of experience provided by Lyall Meyer and Dillon du Preez.
“We are confident this squad can bring home some prestigious silverware.”
The South Africans will again be coached by Corrie Van Zyl (pictured below).
Squad:
Richard Cameron (Highveld Lions), Dillon du Preez (Knights), Matthew Hulett (Dolphins), Lyall Meyer (Warriors), Mangaliso Mosehle (Titans), Aubrey Swanepoel (Griquas), Lenert van Wyk (Cape Cobras)
Manager/Coach: Corrie van Zyl
Some images from previous South African teams at the Hong Kong Sixes:
Hong Kong Sixes 2010
Dinner with the SA Association, “Vinnige Fanie” De Villiers and the SA Team:
Sanath Jayasuriya and Shahid Afridi, two of the most destructive batsmen in the history of cricket, are set to dazzle fans at the 2011 Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes at the Kowloon Cricket Club from October 28-30, 2011.
Joining them in the All Stars line-up are a coterie of premier cricketers from around the globe including one of the world’s fastest bowlers, Australia’s Shaun Tait, South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs, Pakistan’s Abdul Razzaq and the International Cricket Council’s Affiliate Player of the year, Ryan ten Doeschate of The Netherlands.
Sri Lanka’s Jayasuriya and Pakistan’s Afridi have gone head-to-head with their batting exploits and are recognised as two of the most feared batsmen in the world. The duo are ideally suited to Hong Kong’s unique format with hitting sixes almost second nature for the pair.
Two of the most-feared batsmen
Master blaster Jayasuriya held the record for the most sixes in one-day internationals – 270 – until Shahid Afridi, nicknamed “Boom Boom” for his aggressive batting style, overhauled it to stand top of the list with 289. The picturesque Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC) will be tailor-made for the duo who will carry the hopes of the All Stars in the expanded 12-team tournament.
“We are thrilled to have both Sanath Jayasuriya and Shahid Afridi playing on the same team. They are outstanding cricketers who can demolish any bowling attack and are more than capable bowlers themselves. Fans are in for a treat,” said Captain Shahazada Saleem, president of the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA).
Jayasuriya (pictured below) , who holds the record for the fastest 50 in One Day Internationals (ODIs) – off just 17 balls – is a more than capable bowler with his left arm spin having claimed 323 wickets. He is the only player to score more than 13,000 runs and take more than 300 wickets in ODIs.
Afridi was the standout bowler at this year’s World Cup. The leg-spinner was the joint highest wicket-taker with 21 scalps. He also holds the record for scoring the fastest 100, off just 37 balls, another record he claimed from Jayasuriya who had the previous fastest ton (off 48 balls).
The destructive pair will figure in a powerful All Stars team which also includes South African opener Herschelle Gibbs, Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, Australian spearhead Shaun Tait and Ryan ten Doeschate of the Netherlands.
Opposing batsmen will have to watch out for Shaun Tait and his thunderbolts. The Aussie is widely regarded as one of the world’s fastest bowlers. Tait once bowled a delivery recorded at 160.7 kilometres per hour – the fastest ball ever bowled on Australian soil.
Master Gibbs
South African Hershelle Gibbs, is an elegant batsman who on his day can tear apart any attack. He became the first player to hit six sixes in one over, doing so against the Netherlands at the 2007 World Cup. Opponents at KCC will also have to watch out for his brilliant fielding.
All-rounder Razzaq
Abdul Razzaq will be another key cog in the All Stars team. Handy with both bat and ball, the Pakistani played a huge part in his country’s victory over Australia at this year’s World Cup as he guided them to a tense victory with an unbeaten 20 off 24 balls. His coolness under pressure will be welcomed by the All Stars.
Developing stars
In keeping with the Hong Kong Cricket Association’s goal to promote Cricket’s Associate nations, the Netherlands’ Ryan ten Doeschate rounds out this year’s All Star selection.
Every English fan will remember ten Doeschate for the century he scored against England at this year’s World Cup. His knock of 119 is the record for the highest individual score by a player from an associate nation. The Netherlands all-rounder was recently named the ICC Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year for the third time in four years and for the second year running.
Ten Doeschate, 31, played six ODIs during the World Cup this year and scored two centuries and a half-century, averaging 61.40 for the period with a strike rate of 89.24. He is also the first Associate player to win an IPL contract. He was bought at the 2011 auction by Kolkata Knight Riders.
“We have got a good blend of players from all around the world and I expect the All Stars to be one of the favourites to win the tournament,” said Saleem.
The All Stars have been drawn with Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Scotland in pool A. Defending champions Australia are in pool B with England, Bangladesh and Ireland while pool C comprises last year’s losing finalists Pakistan, South Africa, India and Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) yesterday unveiled the tournament pools and ticketing details of the 2011 Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes at the tournament venue, the Kowloon Cricket Club.
Organisers also took the opportunity to announce details of some new and exciting innovations for this year’s event, some 59-days away.
Firstly, this year’s tournament will be a 3-day event that kicks off on Friday 28 October concluding on Sunday 30 October.
Secondly, Day 1 will see the staging of the first-ever T20 cricket match in the Hong Kong SAR. Glyn Davies, Tournament Director announced that the historic match will see a combined All Stars/Team China side take on a side made up of members of the remaining 11 national teams.
One of this writer’s concerns at every tournament has been the many youngsters outside the main entrance to the Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC) asking for (free/un-used) tickets. In an attempt to get more spectators into the grounds, organisers have come up with a solution. With the extension of the tournament into 3 days, they have announced that single-day tickets for Friday 28 October will be sold at HK$100 (adults) and HK$50 (children). That means that visitors on Day 1 will be treated to two of the most exciting formats of cricket (round 1 of the Sixes and a T20 match) for only $100 ($50).
“Part of our mandate for the tournament is to increase the exposure of the Sixes and introduce new audiences to cricket. We are confident that the special ticket price offer for Friday will assist in attracting new audiences and will create an entertaining opening day for both staunch cricket supporters and general sports fans,” said Dinesh Tandon, Chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association.
Tickets for the 2011 Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sales will go on sale from today (Friday, September 2, 2011) via the Hong Kong Ticketing website (www.hkticketing.com) and telephone hotlines, the Hong Kong Cricket Association office in Olympic House, Kowloon Cricket Club, Hong Kong Cricket Club and at Jashan and DotCod restaurants in Central.
Adult tickets are priced at HK$800 for a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) package. Weekend ticket packages for children 12 and under on October 28, 2011 will be HK$380.
See you at the Sixes!
(Right to Left) Attending today’s press conference were Mr Glyn Davies, Tournament Director, Mr Dinesh Tandon, Chairman of the HKCA, Captain Shahzada Saleem Ahmed, President of the HKCA, Mr Jonathan McKinley, Deputy Secretary of the Home Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government and Mr Danny Lai, General Manager of Hong Kong Cricket Association,
One of the endearing sounds at the Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong, is the sound of the ball hitting the sweet spot on the willow, causing it to sail over the stands and surrounding trees, only to land in adjacent Cox’s Road (or on some poor sod’s car!) Many a ball has gone lost in this way.
Following a six like that and coming in in close second place, is the sound of the drums, trumpets and raucous celebrations in the mostly South-Asian-populated stand.
Priceless.
While a local team was busy going through their paces at the tournament venue (Kowloon Cricket Club) in the city’s Jordan district, the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) unveiled the tournament pools and ticketing details of the Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2011.
Today’s announcement marks the 60-day countdown to the 2011 Karp Group Hong Kong Sixes weekend.
Mr Jonathan McKinley, HK’s Deputy Secretary of the Home Affairs Bureau (right) and HKCA’s Captain Shahzada Saleem Ahmed (left) celebrate the 60-day countdown.
With the generous support of the Hong Kong Administration’s Mega Events Fund, the Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes will be held at the Kowloon Cricket Club from Friday, October 28, to Sunday, October 30, 2011.
The pools for the expanded 12-team tournament, up from eight teams previously, were unveiled today.
Pools
The All Stars are the tournament top seeds in Pool A alongside Sri Lanka, New Zealand and tournament debutantes Scotland.
Pool B is headed by defending Hong Kong Cricket Sixes champions Australia, followed by England, Bangladesh and Ireland.
Pool C sees last year’s runners-up Pakistan grouped with South Africa, India and the hosts, Hong Kong.
All Star line-up
One of game’s greatest hitters and a son of the South African soil was today announced in the line-up for the 2011 Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.
Traditionally, at this stage of the planning, tournament organisers are still engaged in negotiations with some of the top international stars who will turn out for the drawcard All Stars Team. While this year is no different, Captain Shahzada Saleem Ahmed, President of the HKCA had the following to say:
“I am happy to announce the names of 3 confirmed members of the All Stars Team. (Former Sri Lankan all-rounder) Sanath Jayasuriya and (Bangladesh’s) Abdur Razzak will be joined by (swashbuckling South African) Hershelle Gibbs.” Their teammates will be announced in due course.
Which brings me back to my opening remarks. Hopefully Tournament Director Glyn Davies will have the foresight to stock up on a few extra boxes of cricket balls because Hershelle Gibbs…
is coming to town.
(WanChai are YOU ready?!)
Hershelle Gibbs celebrates yet another century (Pic: REUTERS)
(Additional image of Hershelle Gibbs by www.ecb.co.uk)
Korea captured its third consecutive Shanghai Sevens title after edging Hong Kong 22-17 with a try in sudden-death in today’s Cup final.
Kim Gwong Min scored the winning try to complete a hat-trick in the final and earn the honours as the Most Valuable Player of the Shanghai Sevens 2011.
After a shock loss to unheralded Philippines on day one, Korea righted its ship on day two to book its place in the final for the third consecutive year in Shanghai against Hong Kong, the in-form team of the tournament this weekend.
Speaking after the emotional cup final win, Korea captain Yoon Tae-Il said, “Our performance improved after day one and we had a good review after losing to the Philippines. We were able to come back and defeat China in front of their home crowds and reach the final where we had as good a chance as Hong Kong.
“It is fair to say that Hong Kong was the in-form team of the tournament but we looked across from them in the second half and when we were exhausted we could see they were exhausted too. It gave us the lift to come back.”
Continuing its trend of winning the hard way this weekend, Korea conceded a 10-point lead to Hong Kong in the first half of the final through tries to Keith Robertson and Tom McQueen, another player in the running for MVP honours this weekend.
But Korea struck back quickly in the second half through Kim Gwong Min’s first try from the kick-off. Hong Kong replied through Rowan Varty on his tournament debut as sevens captain further widening the lead to 17-5 after Keith Robertson’s conversion. Under relentless pressure from Korea in the second half, Hong Kong conceded a yellow card for interference on the try line. Korea efficiently utilised the man advantage to put Kim over for his second try closing the gap at 17-10.
Korea continued to exert pressure on Hong Kong in the second half, leading to a try to winger Noh Hoon Jae, levelling the scores at 17-all at the end of regulation time.
Korea’s Kim Gwong Min scores the winning try at the Shanghai Sevens(Pic: Elite Step Asia)
Extra Time
Hong Kong exerted early pressure from the kick-off of extra time but in the second minute of the five-minute golden point extra-time, Korea managed to fly-kick ahead from ruck ball and the rapacious Kim Gwong Min was again in the right place at the right time. Kim outpaced the Hong Kong defence to chase down the ball and cross over for his third try of the match giving Korea the title with a 22-17 win.
The win marked the third consecutive victory for Korea in Shanghai. Korea also enters the history books as the first ever tournament champions on the new HSBC Asian Sevens Series launched this year. It was also the first win for Korea in the Yuanshen Stadium in Shanghai, which hosted the event for the first time in 2011.
Heartbreak for Hong Kong
It was heartbreak for Hong Kong after reaching the Shanghai final for the first time in the three-year history of the event. Hong Kong narrowly missed out on its own Cinderella story as they were in position to win the inaugural event of the HSBC Asian Sevens Series in Shanghai just days after announcing that HSBC is the new principle sponsor of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union National Teams.
Hong Kong can take solace in being the team to beat for much of the tournament despite integrating several new and returning players into the core squad for the opening tournament on the 2011 series.
Hong Kong’s run to the final included a convincing 26-nil win over its traditional nemesis Japan in the Cup semi final. Despite the disappointment of the final, the performance will hold Hong Kong in good stead as they prepare to defend their title at next month’s Borneo Sevens, the second ranking event on the HSBC Asian Sevens Series 2011.
Hong Kong National Coach Dai Rees (pictured above) was philosophical about the result saying, “It is disappointing of course to lose in extra time but I am pleased with the way we were able to gel as a team and to reach the final in the first tournament of the season. We will use this loss as motivation as we prepare for Borneo. The good thing is that the new lads fitted into the squad very well and there is now great depth in our squad and some fierce competition for places in Borneo.”
The next event on the HSBC Asian Sevens Series is the Borneo Sevens (September 24-25) in Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia, where Hong Kong are the reigning champions.
A triumphant Korea celebrate their Shanghai Sevens 2011 win (Pic: Elite Step Asia)
