{"id":5964,"date":"2025-12-12T19:04:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T00:04:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/?p=5964"},"modified":"2025-12-12T20:11:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T01:11:32","slug":"newsletter-dec-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/newsletter-dec-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsletter – Dec 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Bolet\u00edn - Dec 2025<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\u00a1A\u00f1o excepcional para el cricket!<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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  • Hero MotoCorp se une como patrocinador oficial de Cricket Colombia<\/li>
  • Estructura revisada, nuevos roles<\/li>
  • Segundo mejor resultado en el Campeonato Sudamericano<\/li>
  • Victoria hist\u00f3rica sobre Trinidad y Tobago XI en Cali<\/li>
  • Colombia rompe r\u00e9cord mundial de cricket, pero M\u00e9xico gana 3-2<\/li>
  • Cali gana su propio torneo<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Abhas Srivastava<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Hero MotoCorp se une como patrocinador oficial de Cricket Colombia<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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    \u00a1Nos complace anunciar que Hero MotoCorp, una de las marcas de motocicletas m\u00e1s ic\u00f3nicas del mundo, se ha convertido en el patrocinador oficial de Cricket Colombia! Esta alianza marca una nueva era para el deporte en nuestro pa\u00eds, una visi\u00f3n compartida basada en la excelencia, la pasi\u00f3n y el progreso. El apoyo de Hero MotoCorp llega en un momento en que el cricket en Colombia est\u00e1 creciendo r\u00e1pidamente, y su respaldo ser\u00e1 un acelerador clave en ese camino.<\/p>

    M\u00e1s que un logo: un compromiso a largo plazo.<\/h2>

    Desde el apoyo al equipo nacional hasta el desarrollo de base y la participaci\u00f3n comunitaria, Hero MotoCorp se asocia con nosotros para construir el futuro del cricket colombiano. Su compromiso va m\u00e1s all\u00e1 del campo, ayudando a fortalecer nuestros programas, entrenadores, instalaciones y visibilidad. Todo comienza con el pr\u00f3ximo Trofeo Hero MotoCorp, una serie internacional de cuatro d\u00edas entre Colombia y Trinidad y Tobago, que se celebrar\u00e1 del 15 al 18 de agosto en Cali. Este torneo ser\u00e1 el primero de muchos eventos impulsados por nuestra nueva alianza.<\/p>

    \"Esta alianza es m\u00e1s que solo patrocinio: se trata de dar forma al futuro del cricket en Colombia juntos\"<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

    Con Hero MotoCorp a nuestro lado, nos preparamos para grandes hitos, incluido el Campeonato Sudamericano de Cricket, e invitamos a m\u00e1s personas que nunca a descubrir la belleza de este deporte global.<\/p>

    Bienvenida a la familia de Cricket Colombia, Hero MotoCorp. Levantemos el bate por lo que viene.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Lee Bailey<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Estructura revisada, nuevos roles<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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    Al momento de escribir esto, Cricket Colombia est\u00e1 ocupada finalizando su solicitud para convertirse en Miembro Asociado del Consejo Internacional de Cricket (ICC). Entregamos nuestro borrador de solicitud en marzo y la versi\u00f3n final debe presentarse antes de fin de a\u00f1o.<\/p>

    Una de las cosas que faltaba en nuestro borrador era una entidad legal para Cricket Colombia. Esperamos que, con el tiempo, podamos crear las tres ligas departamentales de al menos tres equipos cada una para permitirnos convertirnos en una Federaci\u00f3n oficial en Colombia. Mientras tanto, la Junta tom\u00f3 la decisi\u00f3n a principios de este a\u00f1o de crear una Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (S.A.S) para cumplir con este importante requisito del ICC.<\/p>

    Con la creaci\u00f3n de Cricket Colombia S.A.S con la C\u00e1mara de Comercio de Cali, tambi\u00e9n tuvimos que actualizar los roles de los miembros de la Junta para reflejar y proteger sus otros intereses comerciales en Colombia:<\/p>

    • Presidente, Director Ejecutivo y Representante Legal Principal: Abhas Srivastava<\/li>
    • Secretario, Director Ejecutivo y Representante Legal: Lee Bailey<\/li>
    • Tesorero, Director Ejecutivo y Representante Legal: John Wood<\/li>
    • Presidente no ejecutivo: Paul Reid<\/li>
    • Directores no ejecutivos (en orden alfab\u00e9tico): Andy Farrington, Andy Wright, Dian Perera, Felix Sullivan, Karthik Radhakrishnan y Paola Wood.<\/li><\/ul>

      La Junta desea agradecer a Paul Reid por el gran trabajo y apoyo que ha brindado a la promoci\u00f3n y pr\u00e1ctica del cricket en Colombia como su Presidente durante los \u00faltimos a\u00f1os. Nos alegra que haya podido quedarse como nuestro Presidente no ejecutivo y esperamos sus continuas contribuciones al crecimiento del juego aqu\u00ed durante muchos a\u00f1os m\u00e1s.<\/p>

      De acuerdo con la constituci\u00f3n de Cricket Colombia (copiada en la nueva S.A.S.), los roles de los directores de la Junta se someten a reelecci\u00f3n cada dos a\u00f1os, con la pr\u00f3xima elecci\u00f3n prevista para abril de 2026. Por favor, est\u00e9n atentos a m\u00e1s informaci\u00f3n sobre este proceso en el nuevo a\u00f1o, y comiencen a pensar si estar\u00edan interesados en ayudar a avanzar en el desarrollo de nuestro gran deporte en Colombia.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Paola Solano<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

      New Women\u2019s programmes<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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      Cricket Colombia Women is entering a new era under the leadership of Paola Solano, with programmes growing in Barranquilla and Colombian athletes training in the United Kingdom. As we move forward with the creation of our Colombia Women’s Cricket Team, the support of expert coaches and ECB-certified coaches continues to drive the development of the project. The momentum is growing every day, with new achievements and inspiring talent on the way. Follow us on Instagram @cricketcolombiafemenino for more details.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Lee Bailey<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

      Cr\u00f3nica de crecimiento, coraje y avance en el Campeonato Sudamericano<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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      Cuando la selecci\u00f3n masculina de Colombia lleg\u00f3 a Itagua\u00ed, Brasil, para el Campeonato Sudamericano de Cricket 2025 (SACC), lo hizo con una ambici\u00f3n silenciosa. No era un equipo al que se esperara dominar, ni una escuadra construida sobre d\u00e9cadas de poder regional. M\u00e1s bien, se parec\u00edan al tipo de equipo que a menudo forma el coraz\u00f3n de las mejores historias del cricket: sincero, en desarrollo, hambriento y listo para medirse honestamente contra los mejores del continente. El evento de cuatro d\u00edas, del 30 de octubre al 2 de noviembre, se convertir\u00eda en una prueba no solo de su habilidad, sino de su creciente car\u00e1cter como naci\u00f3n cricketera.<\/p>

      Un inicio pasado por agua: Colombia vs Uruguay<\/h2>

      La campa\u00f1a comenz\u00f3 con una anticlim\u00e1tica frustraci\u00f3n. El partido inaugural de Colombia contra Uruguay estaba dise\u00f1ado para marcar el ritmo: una oportunidad para encontrar ritmo temprano, calmar los nervios y construir impulso. En cambio, las nubes se reunieron sobre Itagua\u00ed, trayendo una lluvia persistente que volvi\u00f3 el campo resbaladizo y el horario incierto. Sin embargo, en la breve ventana de cricket disponible, Colombia jug\u00f3 con una confianza que desment\u00eda las condiciones. En una entrada truncada de 11 overs, lograron un en\u00e9rgico 90 por 5, impulsados por r\u00e1fagas de bateo impresionante y rotaci\u00f3n inteligente del strike.<\/p>

      Dian Perera se hizo notar con potentes golpes tempranos \u2014seis planos lanzados a las gradas, drives que cruzaban el c\u00e9sped mojado, y esa presencia familiar en el crease que lo llevar\u00eda a terminar el torneo entre los mejores anotadores de la regi\u00f3n. Christopher Laas apoy\u00f3 con carreras decididas y golpes bien sincronizados, y Colombia parec\u00eda lista para una actuaci\u00f3n competitiva. Pero el cielo se oscureci\u00f3 de nuevo y, con solo minutos restantes en el descanso de las entradas, la lluvia regres\u00f3 con demasiada fuerza para permitir la reanudaci\u00f3n. Con el campo deterior\u00e1ndose, los oficiales suspendieron el juego. Cada equipo se llev\u00f3 un punto.<\/p>

      Fue un cap\u00edtulo inicial marcado por la promesa y la interrupci\u00f3n \u2014el tipo de comienzo que deja a un equipo inquieto en vez de satisfecho, obligado a llevar su intenci\u00f3n al d\u00eda siguiente sin la base de un partido completo.<\/p>

      Una dura lecci\u00f3n: Colombia vs Brasil<\/h2>

      Al d\u00eda siguiente lleg\u00f3 una prueba m\u00e1s exigente. Los anfitriones, Brasil, uno de los equipos m\u00e1s consolidados y f\u00edsicamente imponentes del torneo, ganaron el sorteo y eligieron lanzar primero sobre una superficie pegajosa que recompensaba a los lanzadores disciplinados. La entrada de Colombia flaque\u00f3 casi de inmediato. Lo que comenz\u00f3 con una rotaci\u00f3n ordenada del strike por parte de Perera y Salim Patel r\u00e1pidamente se convirti\u00f3 en un colapso, ya que la parte alta del orden cay\u00f3 en una secuencia de edges, drives mal ejecutados y errores defensivos.<\/p>

      Los wickets cayeron a intervalos regulares; para el s\u00e9ptimo over, Colombia estaba 20 por 4 y luchando simplemente por sobrevivir lo suficiente para publicar algo defendible. Brasil lanz\u00f3 con hostilidad disciplinada, sus lanzadores r\u00e1pidos deslizando entregas en un rebote bajo, desafiando el equilibrio de los bateadores en la estera h\u00fameda. Colombia empuj\u00f3, tante\u00f3 y tom\u00f3 los sencillos que pudo, pero nunca encontr\u00f3 la sociedad necesaria para estabilizar la entrada. Fueron eliminados por 57, un total muy alejado de su inicio casi explosivo del d\u00eda anterior.<\/p>

      La persecuci\u00f3n de Brasil reflej\u00f3 la diferencia en ejecuci\u00f3n m\u00e1s que cualquier brecha de potencial. Se acercaron al objetivo con calma, recogiendo sencillos, castigando cualquier bola corta y negando a los lanzadores colombianos cualquier atisbo de impulso. Un par de wickets tempranos \u2014incluida una atrapada aguda en el c\u00edrculo\u2014 fueron peque\u00f1as consolaciones en un juego que se escap\u00f3 r\u00e1pidamente. Para el noveno over, Brasil hab\u00eda completado una victoria por ocho wickets, y Colombia tuvo que enfrentar las realidades del juego de torneo: no hay tiempo para lamentarse, ni espacio para la decepci\u00f3n.<\/p>

      El poder de M\u00e9xico al descubierto: Colombia vs M\u00e9xico<\/h2>

      Si Brasil fue una lecci\u00f3n de disciplina, M\u00e9xico ofreci\u00f3 una clase magistral de poder al batear. Bajo un sol brillante y condiciones m\u00e1s firmes, Colombia volvi\u00f3 a batear primero. Esta vez, el inicio fue m\u00e1s mesurado. Perera y Abhas Srivastava jugaron con sensatez en los primeros overs, asegurando que Colombia llegara al final del powerplay sin da\u00f1os. Pero el patr\u00f3n que comenzaba a perseguir al equipo resurgi\u00f3: inicios prometedores cortados antes de tiempo, peque\u00f1as asociaciones que se disolv\u00edan antes de convertirse en pilares del partido.<\/p>

      Perera conect\u00f3 un cuatro temprano y lanz\u00f3 un enorme seis con su caracter\u00edstico avance, pero tambi\u00e9n cay\u00f3 antes de poder anclar la entrada. Laas aport\u00f3 con sencillos r\u00e1pidos y buena comunicaci\u00f3n, pero los lanzadores mexicanos \u2014usando cambios de ritmo con gran sutileza\u2014 mantuvieron la puntuaci\u00f3n por debajo de cinco por over. Fue una entrada entrecortada: un l\u00edmite aqu\u00ed, un par all\u00e1, y una serie de bolas sin anotaci\u00f3n que repetidamente frenaron el impulso.<\/p>

      Colombia lleg\u00f3 a 98 eliminados, un total que oscilaba entre \"defendible con disciplina\" e \"insuficiente ante tanto poder\". M\u00e9xico r\u00e1pidamente hizo que pareciera lo segundo. Sus abridores atacaron la persecuci\u00f3n con golpes limpios, retrocediendo para golpear cualquier bola corta y conduciendo con brutal sencillez por el suelo. Dos seis tempranos superaron la cerca sin dificultad, y los lanzadores colombianos, que esperaban comenzar la entrada con disciplina, pasaron gran parte de sus turnos recuperando pelotas del l\u00edmite.<\/p>

      A pesar de algunos lanzamientos de Reid que ralentizaron brevemente el ataque y desafiaron el borde exterior, la confianza de M\u00e9xico nunca vacil\u00f3. Alcanzaron el objetivo en solo 10.4 overs, sellando otra derrota por ocho wickets para los colombianos. Para Colombia, este partido subray\u00f3 la realidad de que, en superficies planas y soleadas, la contenci\u00f3n por s\u00ed sola nunca ser\u00eda suficiente.<\/p>

      Luchando contra el viento, el clima y Panam\u00e1: una ma\u00f1ana disputada<\/h2>

      El domingo por la ma\u00f1ana trajo uno de los partidos m\u00e1s atmosf\u00e9ricos del torneo. Contra Panam\u00e1, Colombia finalmente gan\u00f3 el sorteo \u2014un evento celebrado por Reid con un beso teatral al suelo, un gesto que parec\u00eda tanto humor\u00edstico como cat\u00e1rtico despu\u00e9s de d\u00edas de mala suerte. Con el viento soplando a trav\u00e9s del campo y nubes grises amenazando con llovizna, Colombia puso a Panam\u00e1 a batear, esperando aprovechar el swing temprano.<\/p>

      Srivastava y Bailey abrieron el ataque contra el viento cruzado, sus lanzamientos inicialmente desvi\u00e1ndose en las condiciones turbulentas. Algunos edges pasaron cerca, algunos cortes franceses rozaron los stumps, y poco a poco los bateadores de Panam\u00e1 comenzaron a asentarse. Lo que sigui\u00f3 fue un powerplay costoso, con Colombia luchando por encontrar la longitud adecuada. JP Wood intent\u00f3 recalibrar desde el otro extremo pero tambi\u00e9n tuvo dificultades para controlar sus l\u00edneas.<\/p>

      Los overs intermedios trajeron un sentido de recuperaci\u00f3n. Perera, como suele hacerlo, restaur\u00f3 el orden con variaci\u00f3n inteligente, logrando dos wickets en r\u00e1pida sucesi\u00f3n \u2014primero un LBW con una bola que se enderez\u00f3 al final, luego una eliminaci\u00f3n por bowled que toc\u00f3 la parte superior del off. Colombia volvi\u00f3 a estar en la contienda. Pero las atrapadas que podr\u00edan haber cambiado el impulso nuevamente les eludieron: una oportunidad desviada en el mid-on profundo que termin\u00f3 sobre la cuerda despu\u00e9s de ser finalmente tomada, una bola perdida en el cielo oscuro por la llovizna que cay\u00f3 corta ante un mid-off corriendo cuando finalmente la vio, y una discusi\u00f3n sobre si las grandes habilidades futbol\u00edsticas en la frontera detuvieron un cuatro o no, convirtieron la contenci\u00f3n en concesi\u00f3n.<\/p>

      Lo que Panam\u00e1 arm\u00f3 al final \u2014168 por 3\u2014 fue un total construido sobre experiencia, c\u00e1lculo y acumulaci\u00f3n tranquila. La persecuci\u00f3n de Colombia nunca encontr\u00f3 el ritmo necesario. Perera ofreci\u00f3 resistencia con valientes 29, y la parte baja corri\u00f3 valientemente entre los wickets, pero los l\u00edmites nunca llegaron en racimos, y la entrada termin\u00f3 en 127 por 8, una derrota por 41 carreras que se sinti\u00f3 menos como una capitulaci\u00f3n y m\u00e1s como una lecci\u00f3n sobre el valor de la presi\u00f3n sostenida.<\/p>

      Un cierre con fuerza: Colombia vs Per\u00fa<\/h2>

      Si los partidos anteriores dejaron en evidencia los desaf\u00edos de enfrentar a rivales m\u00e1s fuertes, el \u00faltimo encuentro contra Per\u00fa mostr\u00f3 todo el potencial de Colombia cuando la ejecuci\u00f3n acompa\u00f1a a la ambici\u00f3n. Al ser puestos a la defensiva, Colombia comenz\u00f3 flojo: bolas anchas, lanzamientos altos y l\u00edmites tempranos permitieron a Per\u00fa avanzar r\u00e1pidamente a 30 sin perder wicket. Pero una vez m\u00e1s, la resiliencia \u2014una de las caracter\u00edsticas definitorias de Colombia en este torneo\u2014 los devolvi\u00f3 a la contienda.<\/p>

      Wood encontr\u00f3 ritmo primero, eliminando a un bateador bien asentado con un edge agudo hacia Laas. Srivastava super\u00f3 el bate repetidamente, provocando gritos de LBW y drives mal ejecutados. El punto de inflexi\u00f3n lleg\u00f3 con la entrada de Karthik Radhakrishnan, cuyo turno se convirti\u00f3 en uno de los m\u00e1s influyentes del campeonato para Colombia. Su control trajo una r\u00e1pida secuencia de wickets: un LBW, una atrapada y lanzada, otro LBW. Per\u00fa, que hab\u00eda comenzado con fuerza, de repente estaba 70 por 4 y su entrada se descarrilaba.<\/p>

      Reid luego produjo un impresionante doble strike \u2014dos eliminaciones por bowled en dos bolas\u2014 preparando a Colombia para una rara \"doble hat-trick de equipo\" en el torneo a lo largo de varios overs. Incluso cuando se escaparon oportunidades en el fondo, los lanzadores mantuvieron la calma. Per\u00fa fue finalmente eliminado por 98, un total alcanzable pero que requer\u00eda una persecuci\u00f3n compuesta.<\/p>

      Por primera vez en todo el torneo, la parte alta de Colombia proporcion\u00f3 exactamente eso. Srivastava entreg\u00f3 una entrada de madurez y seguridad, eligiendo sus tiros, rotando el strike y preservando wicket e impulso con igual cuidado. Laas lo complement\u00f3 con un controlado 29, su sociedad convirti\u00e9ndose en la columna vertebral de la persecuci\u00f3n. Un golpe de Radhakrishnan para cuatro termin\u00f3 el partido con elegancia, guiando a Colombia a 100 por 3 en 14.5 overs \u2014su \u00fanica victoria, pero una muy significativa y bien construida.<\/p>

      Lo que revel\u00f3 el torneo<\/h2>

      A lo largo de estos cinco partidos \u2014uno suspendido por lluvia, tres derrotas dif\u00edciles y una victoria alentadora\u2014 Colombia demostr\u00f3 que no es un equipo definido solo por los resultados. Est\u00e1 definido por las cualidades que m\u00e1s importan en las naciones emergentes de cricket: mejora, creencia y la negativa a rendirse tras los contratiempos. La clasificaci\u00f3n final ubic\u00f3 a Colombia en cuarto lugar, una posici\u00f3n que solo captura parcialmente la evoluci\u00f3n vivida durante la semana.<\/p>

      Individualmente, los jugadores brillaron. Perera termin\u00f3 el torneo entre los tres mejores bateadores de todos los equipos, reflejo tanto de su poder como de su capacidad para imponerse temprano en las entradas. Srivastava y Laas tambi\u00e9n figuraron alto en las tablas de bateo. En el aspecto de lanzadores, el torneo de Radhakrishnan destac\u00f3 como un gran avance, mientras que Wood y Reid aportaron disciplina y precisi\u00f3n cuando m\u00e1s se necesitaba.<\/p>

      Lo que a Colombia le falt\u00f3 a veces fue consistencia en la parte alta del orden, los wickets r\u00e1pidos necesarios para defender totales medianos y la compostura requerida para perseguir grandes puntuaciones. Pero lo que gan\u00f3 \u2014en temperamento, conciencia t\u00e1ctica e identidad colectiva\u2014 puede resultar mucho m\u00e1s valioso que cualquier victoria individual.<\/p>

      Una base para el futuro<\/h2>

      El cricket en Colombia sigue creciendo, sigue defini\u00e9ndose, sigue construyendo las estructuras y la continuidad que las naciones de cricket consolidadas dan por sentadas. Pero este torneo, con todo su drama y dificultad, ofreci\u00f3 una visi\u00f3n de lo que es posible. Entre frustraciones por la lluvia, colapsos al batear, oportunidades perdidas en el fondo y asociaciones valientes construidas bola a bola, el equipo encontr\u00f3 un sentido de direcci\u00f3n.<\/p>

      La victoria sobre Per\u00fa, en particular, se sinti\u00f3 como una promesa \u2014una sugerencia de que el cricket colombiano est\u00e1 aprendiendo a ganar incluso cuando la semana no ha sido amable. Es el tipo de victoria que los jugadores llevan a casa, reproducen en su memoria y de la que sacan confianza para futuros torneos.<\/p>

      Al regresar de Brasil, los colombianos traen consigo m\u00e1s que n\u00fameros en una hoja de puntuaci\u00f3n. Se llevan la experiencia de jugar en momentos de presi\u00f3n, el hambre agudizada por la derrota, la alegr\u00eda de una persecuci\u00f3n bien ejecutada y la sensaci\u00f3n de que su historia en el cricket sudamericano apenas comienza. Su crecimiento, como tantos ascensos en el cricket, no ser\u00e1 lineal. Pero la base sentada en Itagua\u00ed \u2014de resiliencia, autoconfianza y ambici\u00f3n colectiva\u2014 es fuerte, y los cap\u00edtulos por venir prometen a\u00fan m\u00e1s.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Victoria hist\u00f3rica sobre Trinidad y Tobago XI en Cali<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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      Victoria famosa sobre los vecinos caribe\u00f1os.<\/h2>

      Colombia organiz\u00f3 una serie bilateral con un equipo oficial de Trinidad y Tobago por primera vez en la historia durante el fin de semana del 15 al 18 de agosto, en el espl\u00e9ndido entorno del Colegio Colombo Brit\u00e1nico en el sur de Cali.<\/p>

      El campo de f\u00fatbol de la escuela proporcion\u00f3 un impresionante outfield para que la bola corriera, aunque la estera de coco necesaria para proteger el c\u00e9sped caus\u00f3 muchos problemas a los Legends de Trinidad y Tobago. El rebote bajo y lento fue un fuerte contraste con las pistas de c\u00e9sped duro en las que normalmente juegan. Y Colombia, m\u00e1s acostumbrada a jugar en wickets temporales con estera, aprovech\u00f3 al m\u00e1ximo.<\/p>

      A medida que el pitch se endurec\u00eda durante el fin de semana, los bateadores trinitarios pudieron mostrar cada vez m\u00e1s su destreza, pero no fue suficiente para detener una tenaz y animada victoria de Colombia en la serie.<\/p>

      Los Legends en aprietos desde el principio<\/h2>

      Los dos primeros overs de la serie el viernes por la tarde marcaron el tono de una batalla re\u00f1ida entre bate y bola. Abhas Srivastava abri\u00f3 con un over en blanco, antes de que Lee Bailey lograra dos LBW para cerrar su propio primer over. Con la parte alta de Trinidad y Tobago quebrada en 2-2 tras dos overs, los lanzadores colombianos mantuvieron la presi\u00f3n. Aunque a veces tuvo problemas con su l\u00ednea, Karthik Radhakrishnan sigui\u00f3 sumando wickets: 4 por siete carreras en sus dos overs, con el capit\u00e1n Paul Reid cerrando la entrada con su tercer wicket.<\/p>

      Al tener que alcanzar solo 39 para ganar, Colombia lleg\u00f3 a 16 por 3 en solo tres overs antes de que la llovizna que comenz\u00f3 tras la entrada de los abridores colombianos se convirtiera en un aguacero torrencial que tambi\u00e9n activ\u00f3 el sistema de alarma de rayos de la escuela. A pesar de los intentos de reiniciar el juego cuando la llovizna volvi\u00f3, la pausa fue tan corta que el campo no tuvo tiempo de secarse antes de otro fuerte aguacero y el anochecer forz\u00f3 la suspensi\u00f3n del primer partido. Marcador oficial 0:0, pero victoria moral para los anfitriones, ya que Colombia ya hab\u00eda alcanzado el puntaje requerido por Duckworth-Lewis, aunque dos overs antes de que el partido contara oficialmente.<\/p>

      Primer \"V\" del fin de semana<\/h2>

      El segundo partido el s\u00e1bado por la ma\u00f1ana comenz\u00f3 igual que el anterior, con Srivastava y Bailey abriendo con lanzamientos ajustados y manteniendo a los Legends atentos. Tras dos atrapadas ca\u00eddas en el primer over de Bailey, incluyendo una que termin\u00f3 en seis y sac\u00f3 al vicecapit\u00e1n colombiano (Dian Perera) del campo para tratarse los dedos, decidi\u00f3 encargarse \u00e9l mismo, desviando un drive que el capit\u00e1n Devindra Maharaj bate\u00f3 directo y atrapando el rebote.<\/p>

      Los Legends se quejaron cada vez m\u00e1s del ritmo lento del wicket mientras luchaban por adaptarse a las condiciones con el bate. El ataque de lanzadores de Colombia fue nuevamente s\u00f3lido, con Reid rotando a sus lanzadores para mantener el control. Ashish Sharma se rob\u00f3 el show, destrozando el orden medio de los Legends con una gloriosa demostraci\u00f3n de leg spin. Su vuelo y astucia en el pitch lento le valieron un <> en el camino a que Colombia eliminara a Trinidad y Tobago por 48.<\/p>

      Los abridores colombianos demostraron su experiencia y adaptabilidad en wickets lentos, siendo pacientes con las buenas bolas y atacando las malas. Perera despach\u00f3 cuatro 6s en sus r\u00e1pidos 29 de 11 bolas. Ganaron por 9 wickets, con 14 overs de sobra, y una ventaja de 1-0 en la serie.<\/p>

      Nuevo pitch favorece a los Legends<\/h2>

      Durante el almuerzo, y para complacer a los visitantes, Colombia accedi\u00f3 a cambiar de wicket en busca de una superficie m\u00e1s r\u00e1pida y regular. Un malentendido entre trinitarios, ingleses y espa\u00f1oles result\u00f3 en que la l\u00e1mina de madera preferida fuera reemplazada por nueve planchas de rockwall, colocadas bajo la estera de coco. Gracias a los Legends por ayudar a instalar la nueva base, especialmente a Amin Hosein por proveerla.<\/p>

      Por tercer partido consecutivo, el capit\u00e1n colombiano Reid gan\u00f3 el sorteo y eligi\u00f3 lanzar. Sin embargo, esta vez fueron los lanzadores colombianos quienes tuvieron problemas para adaptarse a las nuevas condiciones. Los bateadores de los Legends se sintieron m\u00e1s c\u00f3modos con la bola, aunque a\u00fan baja.<\/p>

      Aun as\u00ed, Colombia sigui\u00f3 sumando wickets hasta que el orden medio de Trinidad y Tobago castig\u00f3 las bolas malas con regularidad. Una r\u00e1faga de carreras alrededor del over 15 y una sociedad de 55 carreras entre Darius Besai (33) y Varindra Maharaj (32 no out) llevaron a los Legends a 157\/6 en la primera entrada completa de 20 overs de la serie.<\/p>

      Colombia comenz\u00f3 bien su respuesta y se mantuvo al ritmo de los Legends, con Srivastava y Radhakrishnan anotando 37 y 30 respectivamente, hasta que un colapso en el orden medio les cost\u00f3 caro. El pitch se volvi\u00f3 cada vez m\u00e1s irregular, con un extremo mostrando rebote bajo y varios wickets cayendo por bolas que se quedaban bajas. Los lanzadores trinitarios encontraron mejor su l\u00ednea y longitud desde ese extremo, usando lanzamientos cruzados para aprovechar el rebote bajo. Los Legends eliminaron a Colombia por 124, ganando por 33 carreras y empatando la serie 1-1.<\/p>

      Trinidad toma la delantera<\/h2>

      El cuarto partido vio nuevamente a los abridores colombianos en el campo primero. Tras la charla previa, parec\u00eda que hab\u00edan encontrado un plan para adaptarse a las nuevas condiciones, aprendiendo del \u00e9xito trinitario con lanzamientos cruzados. Sin embargo, los primeros nueve lanzamientos fueron todos con costura arriba. Srivastava y Bailey mantuvieron a Trinidad y Tobago por debajo de tres carreras por over en los primeros tres overs. Esta presi\u00f3n llev\u00f3 a los Legends a tomar riesgos con sencillos, lo que result\u00f3 en un brillante tiro directo de Srivastava para eliminar a Hosein por 4.<\/p>

      Dary Balgobin y D. Maharaj lograron algo de tracci\u00f3n en el orden alto (30 y 17 respectivamente), ayudados por Besai en el medio (22). Pero tras la ca\u00edda de D. Maharaj en 46-2, los lanzadores colombianos siguieron sumando wickets, Sharma con 3 por 20 y Reid con 3 por 10.<\/p>

      Persiguiendo 106 para ganar, el orden alto colombiano tuvo problemas para encontrar ritmo. Reid, al entrar con Colombia tambaleando en 32-4 en el octavo over, ayud\u00f3 a acercar al equipo, pero fue eliminado en el primer lanzamiento del \u00faltimo over.<\/p>

      Bailey fue eliminado por un r\u00e1pido tiro del wicketkeeper, dando a los Legends la victoria por nueve carreras y una ventaja de 2-1 en la serie.<\/p>

      Satnam lesionado causa estragos<\/h2>

      El quinto partido trajo un cambio: Trinidad y Tobago finalmente gan\u00f3 el sorteo y eligi\u00f3 batear primero. Los lanzadores colombianos comenzaron como todo el fin de semana, con Salim Patel atrapando a D. Maharaj en la primera bola. Bailey tuvo la oportunidad de un hat-trick tras dos atrapadas, y Colombia ten\u00eda a los Legends en 25-3.<\/p>

      Los esfuerzos de Besai y Varindra Maharaj (39 y 53 respectivamente) fueron en vano, ya que Colombia mantuvo la presi\u00f3n y limit\u00f3 a los Legends a 130 por 8.<\/p>

      El capit\u00e1n colombiano reorganiz\u00f3 el orden alto, subiendo a Patel y Satnam Sandhu.<\/p>

      Patel tuvo dificultades, pero Sandhu, a pesar de una lesi\u00f3n de rodilla, conect\u00f3 tres 6s seguidos y mantuvo el ritmo por encima de 10 por over.<\/p>

      Laas, disfrutando el pitch, anot\u00f3 35. Cuando Sandhu cay\u00f3 por 54, Colombia estaba en posici\u00f3n dominante. Tras una r\u00e1faga de wickets, Bailey conect\u00f3 el cuatro ganador y Colombia termin\u00f3 en 134 por 8 en 15.5 overs, empatando la serie 2-2.<\/p>

      Another flurry of wickets from Colombia\u2019s middle order gave the visitors hope that they could escape in the dark. Complaints from the boundary ropes alongside the tumbling wickets raised the concern of a repeat of Friday\u2019s passionate negotiations about the game\u2019s ending.<\/p>

      Thankfully Duckworth-Lewis was not required as the lower order started to find the white ball through the gloom again. Any Colombian worries were dispatched with the scores level, Bailey produced a magnificent trademark drive forward of point for the winning 4 as Colombia finished on 134 for 8 from 15.5 overs.<\/p>

      By the time the two teams had shaken hands, the scorers were having to tally up the scorebook with the help of mobile phone torches. Cricket just beating the arrival of night as the series went into the final game all-square at 2-2.<\/p>

      Esp\u00edritu de juego y \u00a1Colombia gana!<\/h2>

      El \u00faltimo d\u00eda amaneci\u00f3 con llovizna, pero ambos capitanes acordaron jugar un partido completo de 20 overs.<\/p>

      Los Legends batearon primero y los lanzadores colombianos aprovecharon, con Srivastava eliminando a Hosein y Balgobin en el primer over.<\/p>

      Sin embargo, una sociedad de 90 carreras entre D. Maharaj y Richerd Ramrekha amenaz\u00f3 con alejar el partido. Colombia sigui\u00f3 sumando wickets y limit\u00f3 a los Legends a 156 por 6.<\/p>

      Colombia atac\u00f3 con sus bateadores fuertes, con Reid y Sandhu abriendo. Sandhu brill\u00f3 con 73 de 43 bolas, llev\u00e1ndose el premio al mejor bateador de la serie.<\/p>

      With the success of their approach the evening before, Colombia went on the attack with their big hitters at the top of the order, with Reid this time joining Sandhu at the start of their response. The plan worked with Colombia 41 in the middle of the fourth over when Reid fell for 15.<\/p>

      Sandhu maintained the powerful stroke play from the night before in a masterclass of how to play on the wicket. His name ringing out regularly from the Colombian dressing area as he smashed six 4s and six 6s as he went on to score the series\u2019 highest score of 73 (from only 43 balls). Unsurprisingly, he took the Batter of the Series award.<\/p>

      Laas y Radhakrishnan aportaron, y Paul Inch asegur\u00f3 las carreras ganadoras con tres overs de sobra, d\u00e1ndole a Colombia la victoria en el partido y la serie.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Colombia had not hosted an international cricket match since 2018, when the South American Cricket Championships came to Bogot\u00e1. Now, on the weekend of 9th to 11th May 2025 they faced Mexico, which has historically been one of the strongest international cricket teams in the region, even winning that 2018 tournament. With cricket now finally recognised by the Colombian Ministry of Sports and a concerted push for ICC recognition, it was a good time to show once again that Colombia could host an international cricket series.<\/p>

      Colombia\u2019s squad had fresh faces but also included a return of several big names \u2013 an exciting mix of established players, returning stars and debutants, whose strong performances in national tournaments merited a look, were brought into the team: Lee Bailey and Mark Lamont of Bogota Bushrangers CC, Oscar Snow from Santa Marta CC, Siddharth Bharamgunde from Medellin CC, Samir Polo from Barranquilla CC and Jos\u00e9 Cantillo from Cartagena CC. Several other players from the coast \u2013 Jhon Hernandez, David Guevara and Jefferson Lambiz and Jorge Bolivar, were invited to participate as fielding substitutes, to get a taste of international cricket and help in their development. This Colombian squad therefore included more local talent than any previous one.<\/p>

      The Mexico side was captained by Bose Ruban and Praveen Krishnan, and managed by senior former international player Govardhan. The squad included a number of young players, several of whom had previously represented the country in South American Championships. A review of Mexico cricket league results showed a number of the players to have mouth-watering statistics in national games.<\/p>

      The matches took place in Centro Recreacional Solinilla in Salgar, Atlantico, in sight of the Caribbean sea and beachfront. This converted football pitch, and others in the region, have previously been used for national tournaments – but this was the first time that the coastal region of Colombia had hosted international cricket matches. With the scene set, a grueling schedule of five matches were scheduled over three days. Which team would play best to prevail, and who would have the stamina to keep up performances over this intense period?<\/p>

      Great start on the coast<\/h2>

      Batting first in the series on the Friday morning, Colombia\u2019s openers imposed themselves immediately, with an opening partnership of over 100. The innings was anchored by a composed knock from Chris Laas (53 off 62 balls, 5 fours and 2 sixes). Dian Perera hit out strongly and to great effect, with 54 off just 37 balls, including 3 fours and 5 sixes. Salim Patel added a brisk 12, but Mexico then contained the scoring in the final overs. Yashvanth Jasti, Shankar Ganesan and Harish Kumar each picked up a wicket, though Colombia finished on 154 for 3.<\/p>

      In response, Mexico got off to a promising start, with Mexican opener Bose Ruban in commanding form, hitting out at Colombia\u2019s opening bowlers for 64 off 42 balls, including 3 fours and 7 sixes. After Abhas Shrivastava removed his stumps to take this key wicket, off-spinner Thomas Donegan was brought into the attack and claimed the next 3 top-order wickets (3\/36), these two bowlers reducing Mexico from 41-0 to 67-4. Only Devon Ebersohn (19) offered any serious resistance after that, as Chris Laas took two more wickets and Paul Reid and Abhas one more apiece, and a sharp run-out from wicket-keeper Paul Inch completing the rout. Disciplined bowling in the middle overs, especially from Srivastava (2\/6) and Perera, stifled Mexico\u2019s momentum, and the Mexican innings fell short by 13 runs (133 all out). This was one of Colombia\u2019s strongest batting and bowling performances in recent years. With the opposition playing in unfamiliar home conditions and some players on each side showing good form, the series was placed nicely.<\/p>

      All square<\/h2>

      At the start of the second game on the Friday, Mexico paced their innings perfectly, posting a solid total of 148\/9 in their 20 overs. This was built on a series of gritty contributions throughout the order, with 6 batters reaching double figures. The innings was anchored by Shubhang Sharma (27) and Yashvanth Jasti (21*). Mexico looked set for a middling total until a late-order acceleration via Jasti. Extras played a significant role, with Colombia conceding 30 runs through wides and no-balls. This followed on a pattern from the previous match where both teams lost 25 runs to extras. Some bowlers clearly found the plastic strip off-putting, and the various left hand-right hand combinations in the Mexican squad often made it difficult for bowlers to find their line.<\/p>

      Colombia\u2019s best bowling was achieved by Chris Laas, who achieved the best bowling for Colombia in the whole series, taking 4 middle-to-lower order wickets for 20 runs. This contribution kept Mexico from posting an even bigger total. Siddharth Bharamgunde chipped in with 2 wickets, while Abhas Srivastava and Dian Perera claimed one each.<\/p>

      After the superb batting of the previous game, Colombia\u2019s innings was either tired or complacent or both. Early wickets fell in quick succession, with Yashvanth Jasti wreaking havoc in the top order, inducing a mini-collapse from 20-0 to 22-3, taking 3 wickets for just 7 runs. The chase faltered due to tight bowling and lack of partnerships. Despite resistance from Dian Perera (22), Balaji Krishnan (12) and Paul Inch (11*) Colombia continued to lose wickets and were unable to increase the tempo, eventually whimpering towards 90\/8 off the full 20 overs, even leaving a few wickets in hand. Mexico\u2019s bowling attack was disciplined and effective. Bose Ruban, Harish Kumar, Shubhang Sharma, and Devon Ebersohn each picked up a wicket, while Arun Veerabathira and Vinodh Kumar kept things tight with economical spells, to result in a comprehensive 58-run win for Mexico. At 1-1, the series was hotting up.<\/p>

      Recovery not enough<\/h2>

      On Day 1, the team which batted first had won both games, so it was no surprise to see Colombia choosing to bat on Day 2 after winning the toss – despite morning dew and overnight rain making for good bowling conditions. Colombia struggled early on, losing three wickets within the first five overs, collapsing to 12-3 then 20-4. Enter Sidd Bharamgunde, who scored Colombia\u2019s third half-century of the series and anchored the innings with a resilient 56 off 63 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. With captain Paul Reid stepping up to contribute 28* and Salim Patel with another useful 15 runs, both hitting big sixes, Colombia recovered to post a respectable 111\/6. Mexico\u2019s bowling was led by Arun Veerabathira, who claimed 3 wickets for 19 runs. Shubhang Sharma, Yashvanth Jasti, and Shankar Ganesan each took a wicket, maintaining pressure throughout the innings.<\/p>

      Mexico paced their innings well and the result never looked in doubt as they reached the target in 15.4 overs, finishing at 112\/4. Tight bowling from Dian Perera and Abhas Shrivastava initially reduced Mexico to 12\/2. But after those early setbacks, Shubhang Sharma (32*) and Bose Ruban (33) led a successful chase. Debutant Mark Lamont picked up his first international wicket towards the end of the innings. Abhas broke his finger in the field, but extraordinarily came back on to complete his spell after pitchside treatment, before leaving to hospital and sadly being sidelined for the rest of the series.<\/p>

      Low scores hides the drama<\/h2>

      What a match the fourth game of the series was. This one should have been televised. Instead, all we have to remember this by is the online cric-heroes scorecard, which suggests a low-scoring, tense affair without telling the whole story. Batting conditions had by this point become difficult, with the pitch offering uneven bounce, especially to slower bowlers. Many deliveries kept low and rattled on to the stumps or for LBW shouts.<\/p>

      Colombia posted only a modest total, struggling to build partnerships despite a few promising individual performances. The innings was anchored by Waqar Khan who struck a lively 39 off just 26 balls, including 7 fours and a six, while Sidd Bharamgunde seemed on fire on 10 May 2025, contributing again with a valuable and quick-fire 33 of 14 deliveries. Only Chris Laas, with a patient 14, made it to double figures among the remainder. After these three had been dismissed, the lower order collapsed, with Shankar Ganesan delivering a devastating spell. Several unplayable deliveries kept very low, to dismiss Paul Reid, Balaji Krishnan and Thomas Donegan in particular. Shankar claimed 5 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs, including 2 maidens. He was well supported by Shubhang Sharma (2\/30) and Yashvanth Jasti (1\/6).<\/p>

      With a low total chase, Mexico started confidently, reaching 70-2. Opener Devon Ebersohn anchored the innings with 31 off 40 balls. With the seamers getting little headway, captain Paul Reid turned to off-spinners Sebastian Lonsdale and Thomas Donegan, who bowled in tandem to remove the two set batters, Ebersohn and Rohit Gupta (19) and wrap up 5 quick wickets. At 95-7, and with a Mexican tail that had so far only flittingly achieved, the game seemed winnable for Colombia. Mark Lamont, debutant Lee Bailey, and Dian Perera had also each picked up a wicket. But as the death overs approached, and when all seemed lost for Mexico, Praveen Krishnan went on a blistering counter-attack against Colombia\u2019s spinners, with a brisk 17 off 10 balls to seal the 2 wicket win, and win the series with an unassailable 3-1 scoreline.<\/p>

      Record breaking<\/h2>

      A dead rubber is rarely a classic, but this one broke a T20 international cricket world record! In the first innings, Colombia bowled well and Mexico batted well, the former achieving a good total of 139\/9 in 20 overs. Mexican contributions were again spread through the batting order. Suraj Kannadiga (25) and Praveen Krishnan (24) provided stability in the middle overs, with five players reaching double figures. Colombia\u2019s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout, with Lee Bailey claiming 2 wickets. Sebastian Lonsdale, Mark Lamont, Balaji Krishnan, Dian Perera, and Paul Reid also picked up wickets.<\/p>

      Colombia\u2019s innings started poorly, with wickets tumbling throughout. At 5-2, 11-3 and then 28-6, there seemed no prospect of victory, or even a respectable total, until Waqar Khan (21) made another valuable contribution. Once he had been dismissed at 54-8, and the ninth wicket falling on 65, Colombia needed what would have been a world record last wicket stand to win the match. Enter Felix Sullivan (43* off 28) and Oscar Snow (10* off 18) who turned the tide, to pull off an impossible and dramatic 1-wicket victory, with 21 runs off the last 4 balls to win with a six, with 2 balls to spare. Mexico\u2019s bowlers had been excellent early on, with Arun Veerabathira and Bose Ruban each claiming 3 wickets, and Shankar Ganesan two more. Despite efforts with diverse bowlers, they couldn\u2019t break the final stand, Colombia claiming a famous victory and some respectability in only narrowly been beaten 3-2 in the series.<\/p>

      Sullivan and Snow smashed the previous T20 record of 46 for a last wicket chase, set in a first-class game in Sri Lanka between Basnahira and Wayamba, by ten runs. There have been four higher T20 last wicket partnerships, but those were all by players in teams that lost the match. This therefore seems to be the highest successful chase by the last wicket pair in a reported T20 match. The achievement is even more remarkable considering it took place in an international and involved the number 10 and 11 batters. Most high 10th wicket partnerships involve a top order batter and tail-ender.<\/p>

      Sullivan and Snow are good friends who both play for Santa Marta Cricket Club and have shared the crease in many regional and national cricket tournaments. Snow making his debut for Colombia during the series. They both work for El Rio Foundation, an NGO that runs community projects in a post-conflict zone on Colombia\u2019s North Caribbean coast, including two junior cricket clubs.<\/p>

      A final word for the umpires: Andrew Wright a (former?) Colombia international and Govardhan of Mexico were impeccable, even handed and fair throughout.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Edward Henderson-Howat<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

      Cali gana su propio torneo<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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      Cali were crowned cricketing champions of their own tournament in a hard fought tri-series played in the beautiful setting of the Club de Polo Mara\u00f1on Alto in Valle de Cauca over the long weekend of 11th-13th October 2025.<\/p>

      Just weeks ahead of the all important South American Cricket Championship, some of the brightest and best of Colombia\u2019s cricketers gathered in the south-west of the country for a weekend of sport to help prepare for the tournament and crucially, grow the game in a region of the world more famed for football than five-fers.<\/p>

      Players from three teams: Cali, Bogot\u00e1 Bushrangers and Bogot\u00e1 Gladiators were also honoured to be joined by a collection of Trinidadian superstars including Imran Khan, (a legspinner of prodigious talent who snared 450 First Class wickets for his country in a professional career spanning almost two decades) and Rayad Emrit, (an allrounder with ODI and IT20 caps for the West Indies and someone who – were it not for a dropped catch by the great Brian Lara – would have bagged the wicket of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in just his second international outing).<\/p>

      What made the presence of such acclaimed names even more special, however, was the fact they were playing alongside some of individuals who were very new to the game as well as a diaspora of players representing cricket\u2019s global panorama with representatives from Colombia, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Scotland, Ireland and England.<\/p>

      The stage was therefore set for a carnival of cricketing entertainment.<\/p>

      One-way traffic<\/h2>

      The first match saw Cali rack up a highly impressive 175-4 against Bogot\u00e1 Gladiators, fronted by 32 from Chris Laas and 30 from Devindra Maharaj before the innings was topped off with a smash and grab knock of 51 not out from just 25 balls from Khan with one 4 and six towering 6s. The hosts also benefited from some wayward bowling as 42 extras were racked up including 38 wides. That said, the damage could have been worse were it not for two sharp run-outs from fellow Trinidadian, Darius Besai, and a tidy spell of 2-24 in four overs from Sid Bharamgunde.<\/p>

      It was a similar tale of largely one-way traffic in the Gladiators\u2019 reply. Darius and Sid showed some fight with 27 and 41 apiece but the rest of the innings saw a string of single figure scores as Cali skipper, Dian Perera took 3-25 in his allotted spell, Pankaj Joshi finished with 2-17 in three overs and Gladiators stumbled to 131-7 giving Cali a deserved 44 run victory.<\/p>

      Slow burning thriller<\/h2>

      Saturday\u2019s second fixture, however, emerged into a slow burning thriller which will live long in the memory.<\/p>

      Cali again batted first, but this time, despite a number of dropped catches, tight bowling restricted them to 138-7 in 20 overs. Opening the bowling for the Bogot\u00e1 Bushrangers, Lee Bailey secured impressive returns of 1-27 in four overs including a sharp caught and bowled off the big-hitting Dian Perera. Captain Andy Farrington delivered a remarkable spell of 2 overs for no runs, and Emrit rolled back the years with a fearsome spell of bowling which saw returns of 2-21 in four including the dangerous Khan caught behind by wicketkeeper Edward Howat for just 7.<\/p>

      With the bat in hand, however, the Bushrangers struggled to build any significant partnership but useful innings of 28 (12) from Emrit and 19 (17) from Vijay Pratap Singh kept them in the hunt. However, as 92-6 turned into 93-7 in the 13th over things seemed bleak as Farrington strolled to the middle with a major task on his hands. Yet with a steady innings, including 3 fours and 1 six, it seemed he was taking the visitors to a vital win as just 8 runs were needed from the final over bowled by D. Maharaj. Things seemed even brighter for the Bushrangers as the first ball was dispatched for 4 and the second was a wide leaving just 3 runs to win from 5 balls.<\/p>

      Disaster then struck, however, when Farrington was well caught on the boundary going for the match winning shot. Fellow Antipodean, Mark Lamont, was then the last man to walk out to bat with the match reaching a thrilling conclusion. The boundary rope was lined with spectators as D. Maharaj came up to the wicket and bowled. Mouths were left agog as the ball reared off the surface with violent force and crashed into Lamont\u2019s helmet. And then to the horror of the onlooking crowd, the ball dropped onto the stumps, dislodged a solitary bail and Cali were jubilant. Was it a dead ball? Was it the winning moment? The conclusion was left unclear but as Cali walked off the field, a 2 run win to their name, all could agree on what thrilling conclusion it had been. Day 1 at the cricket was over.<\/p>

      Keeping masterpiece<\/h2>

      Overnight rain delayed the start of play on Sunday 12th October but before long the Gladiators were beginning their innings in the first Bogot\u00e1 derby of the tournament. After early wickets from Bailey and Singh put the Bushrangers on top, it looked like the batting side were charging to an imposing total as Bogola Krish\u2019s innings of 30 provided much needed support to Siddharth Bharamgunde in a partnership which had reached 71 runs in less than 8 overs. However, all this was to change as the batters sought a quick drop-and-run single off the bowling of the miserly Emrit. Howat rushed in from behind and managed to flick the ball back onto the stumps before Bharamgunde had grounded his bat as the run-out was complete. From there, the wheels fell off as the Gladiators collapsed to 117-7 in their allotted 20 with Ashish Sharma and Farrington chipping in with wickets and Howat bagging a further two catches and two stumpings behind the sticks.<\/p>

      It was then fellow Trinidadian, Cecil Ramlal, who backed up the big hitting Emrit (dismissed on 38 by Sanjay Bhojaraju) with a calm and composed knock of 27 not out at just over a run a ball to see the Bushrangers home by 4 wickets with two overs to spare despite tidy four over spells from Darius Besai (1-26), Karthik Radhakrishnan (1-17) and Bharamgunde (3-23).<\/p>

      Mansfield The Magnificent<\/h2>

      As the tournament reached its halfway point, it was now clear that the next match between Cali and the Bushrangers would be pivotal in determining the fate of the prized Oiga Mire Vea Trophy. The stakes were therefore high as Paul Inch and fellow Englishman, Bailey, walked to the middle. However, it was another one of His Majesty\u2019s subjects who soon sent the former packing for a two ball duck as the evergreen Joe Mansfield had Inch clean bowled in a metronomic opening spell of 3-22. As with the Saturday, Cali\u2019s bowlers were backed up by their thankless fielders including Sid Clancy, Steven Bradbury and Wojciech Waliszewski all of whom stuck to their task manfully in the field, leaving the crowd rightly disappointed that their exploits with the bat were not to be showcased during the weekend.<\/p>

      Meanwhile, with Bogot\u00e1\u2019s top five batters contributing just 8 runs between them, the Bushrangers were sleepwalking to a nightmarish 23-5 after 5.5 overs and all seemed lost. Things improved little as Khan bowled what could well have been the ten thousandth maiden over of his career and the visitors seemed stranded at 44-5 almost half way through their innings. Under a baking sun, something had to crack.<\/p>

      It was South African batting all-rounder Laas, a player of prodigious talent, who was set to bowl the 10th over. The player in his sights, former international Emrit, a man in imperious form. First ball, a wide. Second ball, a lofted 6 to long on. Third ball, a 4 to deep extra cover. Fourth ball, a monster 6 over cow corner. And then, off the fifth ball, another magnificent shot which went high and far – but then descended towards the distant figure of Colombia and Cali\u2019s very own Kevin Gomajoa Martinez. The game seemed to stand still and silence reigned as that orb of leather thundered towards him. And then, with an almighty thud it planted itself into Martinez\u2019s gleeful hands. Emrit despondent, Cali jubilant. Bogot\u00e1 soon looked dead and buried at 90-8 in the 13th over. Surely that was the game?<\/p>

      Yet, cricket being the greatest sport ever created, had another surprise to serve up.<\/p>

      The day before, the batting of ANZAC duo Farrington and Lamont had promised so much before the crushing disappointment of the 2 run loss. This day, however, would be different. With cuts and sweeps and singles and shouts they put on a truly remarkable 59 run partnership for the ninth wicket. With frustrations flying between the fielders, it was now Cali who looked the broken team. Bushrangers 149-8 in 20.<\/p>

      When the ever present Laas was superbly caught on the boundary by Emrit in the first over it seemed we were in for the most climactic of finishes. But then the cricketing gods had other ideas as the heavens opened, the rain poured and the match was abandoned.<\/p>

      Colombian Pena wraps up the tail<\/h2>

      Thick puddles of mud had besmirched themselves into the wicket the night before but as the morning of Monday 13th October dawned the skies were mercifully clear and the third and final day at the cricket could begin. The equation was simple, the Bushrangers had to beat the Gladiators by a healthy margin and then hope that the very same opposition would do them a favour against Cali. The hosts, on the other hand, simply had to win their game and the trophy would be theirs.<\/p>

      Making amends for the day before, Inch, proved spectacular behind the stumps, snaffling a brace of stumpings and catches apiece, Grade 8 student, Aniketa Prem, delivered one of his first overs in senior cricket whilst locally grown talent Edwin Pena had a glorious moment in the sun as his captain kept the faith in asking that he bowl the 20th over. What followed was the most extraordinary sequence of four fiery dismissals as the young Colombian finished with the broadest smile upon his face. (Such spirit of inclusivity is something we must hope continues to flourish across all teams in Colombia).<\/p>

      However, the fighting spirit of the Gladiators would not be broken. With sharp fielding from Komal Ram and Kamal Mirchandani, they orchestrated four fantastic run-outs of their own. When yesterday\u2019s hero, Lamont was bowled and the Bushrangers had only 41-6 to their name it appeared we were on for a Hollywood esque fightback. However, calm and powerful batting from Ashish Sharma and Singh soon put paid to such dreams of Gladiator III, as an unbroken 61 run partnership saw their side home to a 6-wicket victory in just 11.4 overs. What this crucially meant was as well as two precious points, the Bushrangers\u2019 run rate was now above that of Cali\u2026 it would all come down to the very last fixture.<\/p>

      Could the Galdiators help out their city rivals?<\/h2>

      Despite a good catch from Anirudha Prem, Cali began in blistering style reaching 56-1 from just 5 overs largely off the blades of Dian and Laas. However, as Prem Nainish Vembu came onto bowl, the homeside seemed to unravel as the spinner took 3-27 in a wily spell. Jamie Davis did his best to stem the tide with a couple of well-struck 4s but it was ultimately left to Khan to give the crowd one last glimpse of what cricket looks like played on a different level as he stroked a magnificent 61 from just 27 balls, including 34 runs off a single over bowled by Sankar Sekaran, Cali finishing on 189-8, the highest score of the tournament. Could the Gladiators break the record books and pull off the unthinkable?<\/p>

      Krish seemed to think so as the required 9 runs were plucked from the first over. However, that was to be as good as it got for the luckless visitors. With another top order performance which read more like a phone number than a scorecard, Dave Benedict delivered a bruising spell of 2-7 in three overs whilst Munish Kumar kept up the pressure with one wicket and a tidy economy rate of just 5.5 runs per over. When Amin Hosein performed a sharp stumping (remarkably the 9th such dismal from all keepers across the tournament), the Gladiators had slipped to 68-8. Some late and brave hitting from the belligerent Abhirupo Mukherjee (19) and a dazed Karthik Radhakrishnan (34) ensured the innings would last the full 20 overs but sadly there was to be no fanfare finish as Cali romped to a 71 run victory and were soon to get their hands on the trophy.<\/p>

      Dedication and commitment galore<\/h2>

      With the Hero Motor Medals kindly handed out by tournament sponsor and Cali player, Ajit Jachak alongside MC and Bushrangers\u2019 all rounder, Amit Raj, attention then turned to the player of the series awards. It was no surprise to see Khan take home the best-batter award whilst Siddarth Bharamgunde was duly recognised for his outstanding all round contributions despite four consecutive defeats as he held aloft the best bowler and tournament MVP prizes. However, the biggest cheers were rightfully reserved for the best fielding moment as Cale\u00f1o Kevin was applauded for his stunning boundary catch. If cricket is to grow in Colombia, let this young man be the beacon to which others rally.<\/p>

      This just left the final words to be given to the Trinidadian legends who had lit up the past few days. Devindra Maharaj spoke meaningfully and warmly about what it meant for all us to be playing together and thanked all those who had worked tirelessly to make the tournament happen, including those who had put in so many hours behind the scenes, before Khan delivered the final words of the weekend.<\/p>

      \u201cIt means a lot to come and play here,\u201d he said. \u201cTo see so many of you rushing out to a wicket covered in water last night, trying to do all you can to play despite the conditions\u2026 Well, all I can say is that, with no disrespect to my own country, if we had just half of that dedication and commitment, cricket in the West Indies would be in a very different place\u201d.<\/p>

      Words spoken by a legend of the domestic Caribbean game. Words which we must all hope can fuel the dream to deliver cricket in Colombia and power this beautiful game into this most beautiful of countries.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Call for more articles<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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      We would like to release a lot more newsletters each year. However, we need your help with articles about the cricket going in your city. If you have anything you\u2019d like published here, please send it to secretary@colombiacricket.com<\/a> for review.<\/span><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Newsletter – Dec 2025 Bumper year of cricket! Hero MotoCorp joins as Official Sponsor of Cricket Colombia Revised structure, new roles Second highest finish at South American Championships Famous victory over Trinidad & Tobago XI in Cali Colombia breaks world cricketing record, but Mexico prevails 3-2 Cali win their own tournament Abhas Srivastava Hero MotoCorp […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5979,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_header_footer","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[130,117],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5964","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-homepage","category-newsletter"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5964"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5964\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5989,"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5964\/revisions\/5989"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5964"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5964"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colombiacricket.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}