All the teams together. Photo: Cricket Australia.
By SAT Sports Desk
MELBOURNE, 24 September: Australia’s indoor cricketers have continued their remarkable record on the global stage, winning all four divisions at the 2017 World Indoor Cricket Federation World Cup in Dubai.The Open Men’s, Open Women’s, 21 & Under Men’s and 21 & Under Women’s teams all won their Grand Final clashes.
It capped off 10 consecutive titles for the Open Men’s side, and a ninth straight win for the Open Women. Both 21 & Under sides claimed their sixth consecutive cup – continuing Australia’s perfect record in all divisions at Indoor Cricket World Cups.
Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland congratulated the teams on their achievements.
“Our Australian indoor cricketers have been incredibly successful on the world stage for a long period of time,” Mr Sutherland said.
“To again complete a clean sweep at this year’s Indoor Cricket World Cup, and win all four divisions is a magnificent achievement.
“We congratulate all four sides on their their World Cup success, and all of the players and officials involved in another victorious campaign.
“I would also like to acknowledge two long-standing servants of indoor cricket in Ross Gregory and Donna Dalby, who announced their retirement from coaching after a seventh and fourth consecutive World Cup victory respectively”.
Australia’s winning Captains. Photo: Cricket Australia.
Australia’s Open Men comfortably accounted for New Zealand, 94-48. Jay Otto scored 20 runs and was named the player of the match.
“I am ecstatic, the boys played really well. To come out today, batting first, and get that score, that pretty much won us the game,” captain Lyle Teske said.
“The processes we follow always puts us in good stead. I have never seen a sporting team with this sort of record ever, we just keep it going and keep doing what we do.”
Australia’s Open Women also scored a resounding victory, defeating South Africa 121-52.
Laura Shaw picked up three wickets to be named player of the match.
“It is always a thrill, you can never get used to it, because you put in so much hard work, so every single one means something different,” captain Jude Coleman said.
“This time we had a lot of new players so it was a sort of rebuilding really, even though we have some of the old heads around as well.
“Six new players, first world cup, for us it was pretty important to maintain our world cup status but also bring some of the young ones through and show them what it is like to play at this level.”
Emily Vallance picked up two wickets to be named player of the match in Australia’s 92-54 win over New Zealand in the 21 & Under Women’s division, while an all-round effort of 16 runs and three wickets from Jamie Diener guided Australia’s 21 & Under Men to a thrilling 68-66 win against New Zealand.
Cricket Australia partnered with the Emirates Cricket Board to host the event at Dubai’s Insportz Club, with approximately 400 players and officials from nine nations participating.
