The South American Cricket Championships (SACs) were held at Los Pinos Polo Club in Mosquera, between August 23-26, and showcased the best South America (and Mexico) has to offer in both men’s and women’s cricket.
Brazil, Chile, Peru and – for the first time – Mexico did battle in the women’s tournament, meaning the two competitions in total brought together nearly 200 players.
Not only that, but all matches played between the women’s teams from Brazil, Chileand Mexico were officially-recognised ICC (International Cricket Council) T20Internationals for the first time.
In other words, the women’s games – for the first time – offered those three nationsthe chance to compete for official ranking points. Brazil took full advantage bywinning all four group games and romping home in the final against Chile with a 92run victory.
Peru also participated in the women’s tournament but games involving the teamcould not be officially recognised matches, given not all their players met the ICCresidency requirements.
Home team hope
In men’s cricket, the ICC’s granting of full international status to games betweenassociate members will not come into effect until 2019. In any case, Colombia hasnot yet met the ICC’s stringent requirements to become a member nation and wastherefore the first non-ICC member to host the SACs.
On the pitch, the home team battled valiantly, winning four games out of seven. Thiswas good enough for fourth place in the final standings but not good enough for afinals berth, after two close losses. First up, Brazil proved too strong despiteColombia putting up a promising score of 129 off the back of a classy 44-run effortfrom Christopher Laas. Brazil left-hander Umar Saleem’s solo effort – posting anunbeaten century – was enough to secure a win off 17 overs despite Colombiagetting rid of five of the top six cheaply.
Uruguay were next up and put the pressure on the Colombians by putting up 112 runsoff the back of a swift 38 runs from Sidhant Vishual. Despite a promising openingpartnership, the fact that no batsman was able to score above 20 proved costly forthe locals.
Colombia had a better day two with a pair of gritty wins. Peru were cast aside by 17runs despite Colombia only setting a 99-run target. The locals then went on to beatCosta Rica by a single wicket in thrilling fashion. A 25 run last wicket partnership proved to be the highlight of the tournament as the win was secured with one wicket in hand.
Mexico undefeated
Mexico men’s went undefeated throughout the entire competition, defeating Uruguayconvincingly in the final.
The tournament was also a great success off the field, with an unprecedented level ofsocial integration between the 12 teams. Having all the matches at the same sitemade the event a veritable festival of cricket.
Cricket Colombia’s Andy Farrington, who led the organisation of the event, waspleased with the hosting of the tournament.
“There are a few important outcomes for us,” he explained. “Primarily we want the ICCto see that we’re able to compete and host a tournament like this, but that we’re oneof few without ICC support. Secondly, by hosting this event we have the opportunity toplay with guys who normally can’t travel to play in other tournaments.”