Jakarta International Sixes

The Weekend of the 5th and 6th October 2002 showcased the 3rd Annual Jakarta International Six a side Tournament. This years number of teams was down a little on the previous year owing to some unfortunate late team withdrawals in conjunction with a long weekend in Indonesia.

Seven teams contested the event, Bali, Senayan, Indorama, Kelewar, UWCC, Korean Crusaders, and the South East Asia Cavaliers. The field showed a true international flavour with teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Korea and one representative of China.

From the outset, the favourites looked to be the two teams representing the Jakarta Cricket Association, Senayan and Indorama, and Kelewar from Malaysia. The two Jakarta teams had previously qualified for the tournament by being to the two best placed teams in the Jakarta Eights Tournament.

Early on as expected, Senayan, Indorama and Kelewar dominated proceedings. Bali and South East Asia Cavaliers also performed admirably, whilst UWCC and Korean Crusaders looked to be battling the effects of travel and partying.

In an interesting sub story, ICF Chairman, Alan Wilson had invited locals from the Bogor area to attend the tournament. On the morning of the tournament, more than 50 individuals were waiting to attend the tournament. Unfortunately the turnout was greater than expected and the transportation was not sufficient for all the persons to attend. The lucky individuals who were selected, attended the tournament and enjoyed proceedings.

Progressing through the preliminary matches and battling the stifling heat, the teams progressed to day two of the event. With semi-final spots up for grabs, there was much interest. The main interest appeared to be who would progress to the Cup semi-finals. Would it be Bali or the South East Asian Cavaliers. In the preliminary matches that followed Bali won through on a higher run rate.

Now it was down to the business end of the weekend with all teams playing for finals spots. In the first match the two lower placed teams, UWCC and Korean Crusaders battled for a spot in the plate final with the South East Asia Cavaliers. A close match ensued with the Korean Crusaders winning the right to challenge the South East Asia Cavaliers.

In the Cup semi-finals, Bali played Senayan whilst Indorama played Kelewar in a rematch of the day's previous and sometimes fiery preliminary match. Senayan proved to be too strong for the inexperienced Bali team being the first team through to the final. IN the other semi, birthday boy, Ian Sires was unable to make his birthday wish come true by progressing to the final. Indorama won through on a good team effort and a steely never say die attitude.

The plate final proved which side really was the better side. From the outset, Korea put in to bat, struggled. Putting together a small total it was always going to be a difficult ask in the field. The Cavaliers batsman proved this to be true, seemingly accumulating the required runs with a minimum of effort. The match was eventually won with more than an over remaining spare.

All eyes were now on the Cup final and rematch of the Jakarta Eights final, Senayan versus Indorama. Tension filled the air and all eyes were glued on the match. Senayan batted first and put together a respectable total in the face of some good tight Indorama bowling. Indorama started their innings confidently and made immediate inroads into the required total. Indorama appeared to be coasting to victory until the fall of the first wicket. After that things become decidedly tense. Indorama seemed to panic and this resulted in the fall of more wickets. Indorama though, still were in the driving seat. It all came down to a final tense last over. Indorama required 7 to win with 2 wickets in hand. Things looked even better when a four was hit early in the over. A number of dot balls then passed.......tension mounted......the Indorama batsman only had to keep their heads and that match was theirs for the taking. With three balls remaining and 3 needed to win the ball was smashed into the outfield. The match was sure to be over....the ball was in the gap...or was it? Senayan Captain, Sachin Gopalan pulled off an incredible diving catch not only to take the wicket but equally importantly, to save 4 runs. The next two balls passed without a run. Three runs to win off only one ball. The pressure on bath, batter and fielders was immense. The last ball was bowled by Deepak Devaiah and was smashed towards the boundary. Unfortunately for Indorama, straight to a fieldsman. Only one run was taken and Senayan had one the match by one run, won the tournament and avenged their loss to Indorama in the final of the Jakarta Eights.