Fifteen teams from across the globe converged on the island from Apr 8-11 to contest four separate coveted trophies – the Cup, the Plate, the Bowl, and the Shield – and producing some breathtaking action, fierce competition, and memories of cricket inspired “fun in the sun” to last a lifetime at this ICC award winning tournament.
Organised by the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour (ACST) under the stewardship of its long-serving chairman Michael “Cat” Maher, the competing teams spanned five continents and represented some of the most colourful club cricket communities anywhere on the planet.
The Debanggs of Singapore emerged as Shield champions after a hard-fought campaign, overcoming Chiang Mai’s CBB SK in the semi-final before delivering a composed and determined performance against Kyalami Cavaliers from Perth, Australia in the final. Batting first, Debanggs put on a challenging 78/2, with Sambhav retiring on 32 not out. Kyalami fought hard in reply, with an impressive performance from Levi in particular, but the Perth outfit ended their run chase 8 short of their target, Sambhav also doing well with the ball going for a miserly 6 runs off his over.
In the Plate final the Montenegro Bokoneers stole the show. The Bokoneers, competing at the Phuket Sixes for the very first time, went all the way, defeating Dubai Wreckers in the final to claim silverware on their maiden appearance. It was a deserved achievement as they defended their 56/2 score with good bowling and fielding against some aggressive Wreckers batting that included an amazing one handed catch on the boundary, to win the final by 4 runs.
In the Bowl final the Kolkata Knights triumphed over CBB SC of Australia by 3 wickets in an entertaining encounter. CBBs put on 57/1 in their innings but Kolkata chased it down on the last ball of the match to take the trophy. Kolkata had earlier defeated Blythswood in the semi-final, Blythswood notably having competed at the first Phuket Sixes way back in 2004.
The showpiece Cup Final featured some outstanding cricket skills, and saw Heritage Cricketers from Bangladesh topple defending champions and compatriots SixR. Heritage restricted the reigning champions to a modest 46/4 in their 5 overs before reaching their target one wicket down in the 4th over to claim outright the Phuket Sixes Cup Champions title.
Earlier, an impressive Heritage side had also defeated former champions the Corner Tigers of Pakistan in the semi-final, with the latter making their much eagerly-awaited and welcome return to the tournament.
Camaraderie
Off the field, the Kyalami Cavaliers’ Eddie Rimmington was honoured with the ‘Spirit of Cricket Award’, a richly deserved recognition of his sportsmanship, contribution, respect, and camaraderie throughout the tournament.
At lunchtime on the final day of play all players and officials took time to honour and reflect on the life of CBB past president Ray “Lemon” Matti, who recently passed away, with a minute’s silence held.
The Phuket International Cricket Sixes were first held in 2004, the brainchild of the ACST, an organisation that has been organising superb club cricket events at fantastic locations across Asia Pacific since it was founded in 2000.
What began as a modest gathering of teams seeking sun, sixes and camaraderie has grown into one of the most celebrated invitational cricket festivals in the Asian region – a tournament whose reputation stretches well beyond its tropical setting.
Reaching its 20th edition is a remarkable achievement and the Phuket International Cricket Sixes, played at a great venue on a wonderful tropical island in the Andaman sea, once again proved why it remains a highlight of the Asian social cricket calendar.
As trophies were raised and friendships celebrated, the message was clear: roll on the 21st edition of the Phuket International Cricket Sixes!