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The party ends in Cape Town

Posted by Andrew McGlashan on 09/22/2007 in ICC World Twenty20





The press box at Newlands wears a deserted look once the action's over © Andrew McGlashan

Home for the last ten days has been Cape Town and for much of that time the press box at Newlands. Having spent many hours there, it must rate as one of the best facilities in the world to go along with one of the top grounds.

Of course, the presence of Table Mountain helps provide a stunning setting which makes working at the ground a memorable experience. The facilities are also second-to-none, although some colleagues who spent time in Johannesburg earlier in the tournament said the sealed media centre meant a lack of atmosphere. I look forward to experiencing the intense atmosphere of the Wanderers on Monday.

But after the criticism that was handed out during the World Cup in West Indies earlier this year it seems only fair to say that this event, at least from the experience of Cape Town, has been run with impressive efficiency.

With such a rapid turnover of matches and teams it is easy to lose track, but information has been readily at hand. The hard-working volunteers and assistants have done a sterling job, especially with endless requests from journalists, while always working with a smile on their face.

They enjoyed a lap of honour around the ground during the interval between innings, and also a round of applause from the press box.

Considering Newlands came very close to losing its matches after the heavy winter rains in Cape Town the ground has stood up well. The pitch hasn't been a belter, but has provided some fascinating cricket and allowed the bowlers to have their say. We have also witnessed some huge sixes, great catches and a vibrant crowd.

It was a strange feeling looking out onto the ground after Pakistan's victory. Immediately the clean-up started, logos removed from the outfield, beer sheds taken down and camera positions packed away. It's the end of the Twenty20 party in Cape Town but they have played a full part.

Contributors

Siddhartha Vaidyanathan
Andrew McGlashan
Paul Coupar
John Stern
Dileep_Premachandran
Anand Vasu
George Binoy
Andrew Miller
Will Luke
Charlotte Edwards
Sidharth Monga
S Rajesh
Kumar Sangakkara
Edward Craig
Nagraj Gollapudi
Jenny Thompson
Isobel Joyce
Urooj Mumtaz
Cri-Zelda Brits
Lawrence Booth
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