Green shoots of cricket in Laos

Green shoots of cricket in Laos
Thailand’s Lamphun cricket team won championship of the first Vientiane Eights match in Laos. (Facebook: Lamphun Cricket Chiang Mai)
Short Url
Updated 15 August 2024
Follow

Green shoots of cricket in Laos

Green shoots of cricket in Laos
  • First Vientiane Eights match took place at Lao Tobacco Company ground on July 13-14

Following a theme introduced in previous columns of “They play cricket there, really?” another contender has emerged, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos).

I had hoped to witness this first-hand by attending the first Vientiane Eights match at the Lao Tobacco Company ground on July 13-14. However, the window of opportunity between back-to back Test matches in England was too narrow for comfort. As a result, this column is based on conversations with the Arab News Thailand cricket correspondent, Richard Lockwood, who did attend.

It was at the Chiang Mai International Sixes tournament last April that I first met the members of the Lao Elephants team. The driving forces behind the team are Michael Simcock, who first arrived in Vientiane 25 years ago, and Eshan Sebastian. Although it is believed that expatriates played cricket in Laos more than 100 years ago, it is only in the past decade that there has been a reappearance of the game.

Even then, it was in a rudimentary knockabout format in Vientiane. The Vientiane Cricket Association was formed only five years ago with regular matches played on a ground at the Lao Tobacco Company factory. At that time, the ground was small, offering a dirt pitch and a pot-holed outfield, which necessitated the use of an indoor ball to protect the more inexperienced players from injury. Despite this, the game was played and enjoyed by expatriates, mainly Australian, plus a few Brits who came over the border from Thailand. Sri Lankans, Indians and Pakistanis later joined in. Soon, 30-over matches between Corinthian Cricket Club and Mekong Cricket Club became a regular Sunday feature at the Lao Tobacco ground.

Based on this growing strength, Simcock and Sebastian sensed that they could embark on international cricket tours, so they attended the April 2023 Chiang Mai Sixes, which had returned after a four-year break caused by COVID-19. They liked what they saw, both on and off the field, possibly helped by their adoption by members of the Floggers & Robbers team, itself with roots in the tobacco industry. The visit planted the seed of an idea as to what they could create in their own adopted country.

Germination was quick as they returned to Chiang Mai as the Lao Elephants to participate in the Gymkhana Sixes, a weekend event in November 2023. This was followed by full participation in the Chiang Mai Sixes in April 2024. It was during that week when Simcock, Sebastian and Dan Watt, owner of several businesses, began talking about holding an international tournament in Vientiane within three months. This needed significant work to improve the ground and facilities. An astro turf pitch had been installed in 2022.

Richard Lockwood reports that the bumpy outfield was flattened and then treated to a series of weekly mowing sessions by Simcock. The result was transformation into a billiard-table surface with wide, square boundaries. The short, straight boundary is shadowed by a ring of fully grown eucalyptus trees.

Boundary banners encircled the ground, displaying a multitude of advertisers and sponsors who supported the event. Food and drink were provided and the teams each had their own tents. There was even computer scoring with support from the officials at the Chiang Mai Sixes.

In this sylvan setting, five teams took to the field, three from Thailand. The British Club traveled by train from Bangkok, the route having been extended recently to Vientiane. Most of Pattaya Cricket Club’s players flew to Udon Thani before crossing the nearby border.

The third team was from Lamphun; all Thai nationals who had to be at least 18 years old to cross the border on three-day passes using their ID cards. The majority traveled on overnight buses, their fares sponsored by the Thailand Junior Cricket Development Fund. At the border, they were joined by two other players from elsewhere in Thailand. Once documentation was completed, they crossed the Mekong on a crowded bus for 30 baht ($0.86) apiece.

Two teams from Vientiane completed the line-up: Lao Elephants, the senior team and the Lao Calves. All five teams gathered at the Welcome Party, a venue which happens to be run by the brother of Ryan Campbell, who is currently coach of Durham County Cricket Club in England. It seems that Laos can produce unexpected cricket connections.

The format for the tournament was for the five teams to play four matches each on the Saturday with seven bowlers bowling an over each and batters retiring on 35. Lamphun won all four matches to finish ahead of Lao Elephants on three wins, British Club on two, Pattaya CC on one and Lao Calves with no wins, but still proving to be a competitive side.

On Sunday a series of six finals were played to keep all teams involved. British Club beat Lao Elephants and Pattaya CC beat Lao Calves to progress, but top-of-the-table Lamphun beat British Club to qualify for the final. After further eliminating matches, the British Club were rematched against Lamphun, who, well-rested, out batted their opponents. They were worthy champions of the inaugural Vientiane Eights, having won six matches out of six.

Richard Lockwood reports that all agreed that the event had been a great success, establishing international cricket in Laos, underpinned by excellent organization. The next steps are to develop local cricket — three Lao nationals played in the tournament. This is all part of a dream to have a national team which, one day, might feature in the Southeast Asian Games, a medal sport since 2010.

At a time when world cricket is undergoing rapid change, driven by the riches generated by the Indian Premier League and its owners, the tale of cricket taking a foothold in Laos is heart-warming. It is in line with the International Cricket Council’s mission to grow the game, but very different to the headlong race to grow the game by T20 franchise leagues. An online search for cricket in Laos generates reference to raising crickets as food. It is to be hoped that those promoting the game of cricket in Laos can achieve more appropriate recognition.


Second ‘Derby Week’ set to have major impact on SPL outcomes

Second ‘Derby Week’ set to have major impact on SPL outcomes
Updated 12 sec ago
Follow

Second ‘Derby Week’ set to have major impact on SPL outcomes

Second ‘Derby Week’ set to have major impact on SPL outcomes
  • Al-Hilal host Al-Nassr on Friday, while Al-Ahli welcome Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah clash with Ettifaq the following day

LONDON: The Saudi Pro League returns from the international break with the biggest of possible bangs. It is “Derby Week.” In Riyadh on Friday, Al-Hilal will no doubt warmly welcome their close rivals Al-Nassr, while 24 hours later, the focus of the country’s fans moves west to Jeddah with Al-Ahli hosting Al-Ittihad in what is known as “The Sea Derby.” There is also the small matter of “The Eastern Derby.”

These meetings are big enough in their own right but they will also have a major impact on the title race. As things stand, with 25 out of 34 games played, it is like this: Al-Ittihad are first with 61 points, then comes Al-Hilal with 57, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah have 51 each with Al-Ahli back in fifth with three points fewer.

If Al-Hilal win then they really put the pressure on the leaders. It would not be a surprise given that the last time Nassr won a league clash between the two Riyadh giants was back in 2021. Yet Al-Hilal are on a relatively poor run of just five wins from their last 10 games. That has even led to talk of Jorge Jesus, the coach who delivered the world record-winning streak of 34 games last year, being under pressure. Yet, the Portuguese boss has even been named a contender to take the Brazil job with the South Americans in shock after a 4-1 loss to Argentina last week that led to the firing of Dorival Junior.

Whatever happens with Jesus — and it would be quite something if a coach left an SPL club to take over the most successful national team in the world — there is some good news in the short term. OK, he is without his compatriot and right-back Joao Cancelo, who has impressed since his move from Manchester City but is not quite recovered from a hamstring injury, but others are returning. At the back Yasser Al-Shahrani is ready to come back after a lengthy playoff and Renan Lodi is also available.

Further up the pitch, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic should be fit as should Mohamed Kanno, injured while on recent international duty. And then there is the long-awaited return of Aleksander Mitrovic. The Serbian striker scored 13 goals in 14 league games before his injury and his absence since December has been an issue. Fit and raring to go, he could just make the difference. For sure, Al-Nassr will not be too happy to see him.

Hilal need the win to keep pressure up at the top but the Yellows are in a battle for third and a place in the AFC Champions Elite with Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ahli. A victory for Al-Nassr, after three defeats and three draws since their last league win, would also be meaningful for coach Stefano Pioli as the Italian has yet to show he can produce a title-winning team.

As ever there will be plenty of attention, on and off the pitch, on Cristiano Ronaldo. The league’s top scorer with 19 goals will be keen to add to his haul — and renew his rivalry with Ali Al-Bulaihi if the defender is fit — as well as continue his partnership with Jhon Duran. At the back, Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte looks to have recovered from injury. Al-Nassr have the faintest of title hopes and a win keeps those alive and will do plenty of damage to those of their biggest rival.

Laurent Blanc would love for that to happen even if Al-Ittihad have failed to take advantage of the relative stumbles of Hilal, drawing three of their last four games. The four-point gap could be crucial, however, especially as Hilal are still very much in the running for the Asian Champions League and could face three games in the space of 10 days from the end of April to early May.

Heading into the “Sea Derby,” a 60,000 sellout, coach Blanc is going to be without Mario Mitaj for some time as the Albanian defender is injured, but the Tigers will be on a high after their dramatic 3-2 win over Al-Shabab in the semifinal of the King’s Cup on Tuesday.

Al-Ahli would also love to damage the title chances of their Jeddah rivals but for the Greens, it is also about getting into next season’s Champions League. Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney have been in excellent form of late and are capable of winning any match.

And, not to be forgotten, is the Eastern Derby. Al-Qadsiah are enjoying themselves after promotion and a fine season would become even better if they can beat their local rivals Ettifaq and gain some ground in the race for third, and even second. Fourteen wins from 16 league games from October to February had them near the title race before just one win from the last four.

Ettifaq have been on a decent run since the departure of Steven Gerrard in January and have climbed into seventh. It will not be an easy game for Al-Qadsiah but then, this is “Derby Week” after all.


Jokic scores career-high 61 points, plays nearly 53 minutes in 140-139 double-OT loss to Wolves

Jokic scores career-high 61 points, plays nearly 53 minutes in 140-139 double-OT loss to Wolves
Updated 02 April 2025
Follow

Jokic scores career-high 61 points, plays nearly 53 minutes in 140-139 double-OT loss to Wolves

Jokic scores career-high 61 points, plays nearly 53 minutes in 140-139 double-OT loss to Wolves
  • Nikola Jokic’s scoring spree was the most by a player in the NBA this season
  • Jokic’s previous career best was 56 points in a loss at Washington on Dec. 7

DENVER: Michael Malone called him Superman. At the moment, Nikola Jokic’s just super-tired.
The Denver Nuggets big man can’t wait to get some sleep after a career-best 61-point performance in which he played nearly 53 minutes. He didn’t leave the court after halftime of a 140-139 double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
His scoring spree was the most by a player in the NBA this season. Jokic also had 10 rebounds and 10 assists, notching the third 60-point triple-double in NBA history. Luka Doncic did it on Dec. 27, 2022 and James Harden did it on Jan. 30, 2018.
“The guy’s Superman,” Nuggets coach Malone said. “He’s on a whole other level, man. People say he’s not athletic, but not many guys can do what he does.”
Jokic’s previous career best was 56 points in a loss at Washington on Dec. 7. The franchise mark is held by David Thompson, who had 73 points at Detroit on April 9, 1978.
On Tuesday, Jokic attempted 24 free throws – making 19 – to match the team mark held by Carmelo Anthony. For all his exploits, Jokic had just one over-riding emotion: “Tired,” he said. “It was an exhausting game.”
Anthony Edwards gave the three-time NBA MVP major props. Jokic’s in a heated race for another MVP award with Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“Nikola Jokic, he might be the best basketball player that I have ever seen close up, besides myself,” cracked Edwards, who had 34 points and 10 rebounds. “He is incredible. The MVP race is tough. I don’t know. He had 60. That is crazy.”
Of course, this game – a sixth straight loss to Minnesota, including playoffs – will be remembered by Nuggets fans for Jokic’s exploits on the court. But it will also be remembered for a wild finish.
Leading 139-138 with around 14 seconds left, Russell Westbrook stole the ball and dished it over to Christian Braun who then sent it right back to Westbrook for a layup. But Westbrook’s layup clanked off the rim and started a break the other way.
Westbrook ran down the court and fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the corner with 0.1 seconds remaining. The Timberwolves guard hit two of three free throws to steal the victory.
“Obviously, I feel awful for Russ,” Malone said. “That last play we get the turnover, we don’t convert, and then the foul. It was not from a lack of effort or care.
“Sometimes it goes like that, and that’s why we’ve just got to be strong. We’ve got to be resilient.”
The big question: Should the Nuggets have not attempted the layup and pulled the ball back out to run down the clock?
“It’s tough. You’ve got a two-on-one break,” Malone said. “As a coach, am I up on the sideline yelling, ‘Don’t go?’ We’ve got a layup. But it’s easy to say that (pull the ball out) in hindsight, because we missed a layup. ... He (Westbrook) is a tough kid, and I think he knows that everybody in that locker room’s got his back.”
For Jokic, there’s not much time for rest. The Nuggets play Wednesday night against San Antonio. All he said he needs was a little break.
“I think we’re so used to this,” Jokic said. “Tomorrow, I’m not going to remember I played so many minutes.”


Hay shines as New Zealand beat Pakistan for ODI series win

Hay shines as New Zealand beat Pakistan for ODI series win
Updated 02 April 2025
Follow

Hay shines as New Zealand beat Pakistan for ODI series win

Hay shines as New Zealand beat Pakistan for ODI series win
  • New Zealand made 292-8 in 50 overs, bowl out Pakistan for 208 in 42nd over
  • Ben Sears takes 5-59 as New Zealand thump Pakistan at seam-friendly pitch 

Hamilton: Mitch Hay’s rollicking 99 not out backed by some feisty seam bowling steered New Zealand to an 84-run win over Pakistan on Wednesday to take an unbeatable lead in their one-day international series.

New Zealand made 292-8 and bowled Pakistan out for 208 in the 42nd over in Hamilton in the second of three ODIs.

Hay’s lusty hitting snapped a mid-innings slump by the hosts as he raced to a career-best score which included 22 off the final over by Mohammad Wasim.

The wicketkeeper-batsman smacked seven fours and as many sixes in his 78-ball innings after going into the middle with New Zealand struggling at 132-5 in the 27th over.

In reply Pakistan were in early trouble when Will O’Rourke had Abdullah Shafique (one) caught at first slip in the third over and in the following over Babar Azam (one) was caught at second slip off Jacob Duffy.

Duffy struck again in his next over with the wicket of Imam-ul-Haq. Pakistan were 9-3 in the sixth over when New Zealand at the same stage were 50-0.

Ben Sears entered the attack and took two wickets in his first over, removing Salman Agha for nine and Mohammad Rizwan for five.

A combination of poor shot selection and some lively seam bowling reduced Pakistan to 32-5 after 12 overs.

Tayyab Tahir (13) and Faheem Ashraf put on 33 for the sixth wicket and when Haris Rauf retired hurt on three, his concussion replacement Naseem Shah put on 60 with Ashraf.

Both posted maiden 50s with Ashraf scoring 73 off 80 deliveries and Naseem making 51 from 44.
Sears took 5-59 for New Zealand.

Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl with overcast skies and a green-tinged wicket favoring the bowlers.

Novice Black Cap openers Nick Kelly and Rhys Mariu took control early.

They put on 54 before Kelly, in only his second international, was caught behind for a hard-hitting 31 which included four fours and two sixes.

Debutant Mariu followed soon after for 18 off 25 when a leading edge lobbed up to Azam at mid-off in Wasim’s opening over.

Wasim and Rauf slowed the scoring and it took Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell until the 16th over to get New Zealand to the 100 mark.

The introduction of spin brought Mitchell’s innings to a halt for 18, stumped by Rizwan when beaten in the air by Sufyan Moqim. Nicholls went for 22 in the following over.

Michael Bracewell and Muhammad Abbas added only 30 runs in the next 10 overs when Bracewell was caught behind off Wasim for 17.

Pakistan-born Abbas and Hay set about restoring the innings with a patient 77-run partnership until Abbas went for 41.

Moqim was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with 2-33 while Wasim took 2-78.

The third and final match is at Mount Maunganui on Friday.


PSG survive first half scare to reach French Cup final with 4-2 win over Dunkerque

PSG survive first half scare to reach French Cup final with 4-2 win over Dunkerque
Updated 02 April 2025
Follow

PSG survive first half scare to reach French Cup final with 4-2 win over Dunkerque

PSG survive first half scare to reach French Cup final with 4-2 win over Dunkerque
  • Holders PSG will meet the winner of Wednesday’s clash between fellow Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims and fourth-tier Cannes in the final
  • PSG are on the verge of securing their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title, needing a single point on Saturday when they host lowly Angers

France: Paris St. Germain recovered from a two-goal deficit to beat second-tier Dunkerque 4-2 on Tuesday and secure their place in the French Cup final as they chase a record-extending 16th title.

Holders PSG will meet the winner of Wednesday’s clash between fellow Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims and fourth-tier Cannes in the final.

“It was a bit of a strange start to the game, they got into our box twice and scored two goals,” PSG manager Luis Enrique said. “We told ourselves at halftime not to lose our heads, to restructure everything and carry on.”

Dunkerque, making their first-ever French Cup semifinal appearance, took the lead seven minutes in as Vincent Sasso tapped home a flicked ball from Alec Georgen after a set piece.

Muhannad Yahya Al-Saad then fired home a low volley, catching the PSG backline off guard, to extend the hosts’ advantage in the 27th minute.

PSG’s top scorer Ousmane Dembele pulled one back just before halftime, with a powerful shot off Achraf Hakimi’s pass, while Marquinhos equalized three minutes after the restart heading home Dembele’s cross at the far post.

“This match will help us improve for the end of the season. It made us work on our courage,” defender Marquinhos said.

“This is the best possible end to the season, the good times are coming. We’re here now and we need to keep going like this.”

Desire Doue put the visitors ahead in the 62nd minute when his shot took a deflection off a Dunkerque defender before finding the net, before Dembele sealed PSG’s comeback win in stoppage time by scoring his 32nd goal across all competitions this season.

“I’m always in a good position to score goals, but it’s mainly a team effort. It’s just like the first half against St. Etienne. We had to react very quickly,” Dembele said referring to Saturday’s Ligue 1 win

“We’re going to take it one game at a time, it’s the final stretch of the season. We’re going to stay focused.”

PSG are on the verge of securing their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title, needing a single point on Saturday when they host lowly Angers.

After that, they face Aston Villa at home in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

Dunkerque, who are in fifth place in Ligue 2, saw their dream Cup run come to an end after a campaign that featured stunning upset wins over top-flight sides Lille and Brest.


Pereira the last-gasp hero for Al-Ittihad

Pereira the last-gasp hero for Al-Ittihad
Updated 02 April 2025
Follow

Pereira the last-gasp hero for Al-Ittihad

Pereira the last-gasp hero for Al-Ittihad
  • He grabs 2 goals in injury time to secure a 3-2 victory over Al-Shabab and clinch a place in the King’s Cup final for the first time in 6 years

Danilo Pereira was the hero, grabbing two goals in injury time, as Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Shabab 3-2 in a thrilling King’s Cup semi-final on Tuesday. They will face either Al-Qadsiah or Al-Raed, who play on Wednesday, in the final next month.

It was a thrilling tie. A penalty converted by Fabinho early in the first half seemed to put Al-Ittihad on course for a place in the final of Saudi Arabia’s premier domestic cup competition for the 19th time, and the chance to lift the trophy for the 10th time. But Al-Shabab had other ideas, scoring twice in the space of three minutes after the break to turn the tie on its head.

There was still time for a dramatic late twist, however, that means the prospect of the league and cup double remains very much alive for the Jeddah giants.

There were only 14 minutes on the clock when the Tigers took the lead. Al-Shabab defender Robert Renan brought down Abdulrahman Al-Oboud in the area, former Liverpool star Fabinho stepped up to take the spot kick and kept his cool to put his team ahead.

After defeating Al-Shabab, 3-2, in a thrilling King’s Cup semi-final on Tuesday, Al-Ittihad awaits the winner of  the other semi-final match between  Al-Qadsiah and Al-Raed. (SPA)

The only other highlight of the first half was another of the famous “tifo” visual displays from Al-Ittihad’s fans. It featured an image of star striker Karim Benzema wielding a hammer, inviting him to smash the opposition.

Things did not quite work out that way, however, as Al-Shabab fought back. In the 64th minute, Cristian Guanca picked up possession 30 yards from goal and unleashed a spectacular shot into the top corner. Three minutes later, Yannick Carrasco floated over a cross to the far post and Guanca struck again, this time heading home.

Al-Shabab seemed headed for a famous win and things were still looking good for them when the 90-minute mark ticked by.

But then, as the prospect of a fourth successive semi-final defeat loomed for Al-Ittihad, Pereira intervened. His first goal came in the 92nd minute. Benzema had a big part to play in it, greeting a corner kick with a header directed toward the top corner of the net. The attempt was saved but Pereira was well placed to head home the rebound.

Six minutes later and the comeback was complete. It began with another corner, which this time bounced off a defender in the crowded area but Pereira was there again, waiting to pounce and fire in the winner from close range, breaking Al-Shabab hearts and sending Al-Ittihad into the final for the first time in six years.