Neil Foster

Off-the-field problems and a desire to complete the league season before the ICC Division 4 Championship in Cyprus resulted in a changed format and a smaller number of teams in the Open League competition in 2009. Initially, the twelve teams were split into two groups, with teams from Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Velden and Ljubljana (Slovenia) competing for a place in the Super Sixes. The National League was dominated by reigning champions Pakistan CC (PCC), while Lords CC (LCC) took the honours in the Austrian Conference.

PCC were again dominant in the Super Sixes stage, setting themselves up for a semi-final clash against Pakistan Falken CC, while LCC met Vienna CC (VCC). The first semi-final was played on a cold, wet day with the ball dominating the bat. Batting first, PCC were immediately under pressure at 50 for 5 and 100 for 8 later. However, the last two wickets managed to get them to a total of 170, and give their bowlers something to work with. PCC were superb during the reply, dismissing Pakistan Falken CC for 46.

Continue reading "A review of the Austrian season"

Cyprus have won the European Division 4 Championship on net run rate from Switzerland and Austria in Happy Valley. All three teams won four of their five matches, but Cyprus thrashed Switzerland in the opeing round of matches only to lose to Austria who, in turn, were themselves defeated by the Swiss. Cyprus’ drubbing of Slovenia, who they bowled out for 128 after amassing 360 for 4, tipped the net run-rate in their favour. Cyprus gain promotion to Division 3 while Slovenia are relegated to Division 5.

While the Austrian Cricket Association has had a difficult year off the field, on it the competition has been stronger than ever.

Thirteen teams competed for the open league title with teams being split into two groups: the northern league, comprising the nine Vienna based teams, and the southern league consisting of teams from Graz, Ljubljana (Slovenia), Salzburg and Velden. With the exception of Salzburg CC, who won all of their games, the group stages were keenly contested. A sign of the closeness of the competition being that Vienna CC, who finished top of the northern league, lost three of their eight games.

The group stages were followed by quarter and semi-finals with Pakistan CC and Austria CC Wien overcoming Vienna CC and United Nations CC respectively in the semis.

The Open League final was played on a cold, damp, windy, grey Saturday. Austria CC Wien amassed 203 for 6 in their 45 overs (reduced from 50 due to the weather), with PCC knocking off the runs in the 43rd over for the loss of seven wickets.

To cap a memorable weekend for PCC, the following day they beat Pakistan Falken CC in the inaugural Austrian Cricket Association Twenty20 competition. Chasing 104 for victory Pakistan Falkens were unable to get the four runs needed off the last ball to win leaving Pakistan CC with the league and cup double.
Neil Foster