[nggallery id=7]
The four nations tournament in France was another success this year for Belgium cricket. We came second narrowly losing to France in the final. The league matches were 50 overs format while the finals was of 20 overs format.
Outstanding performers were Said Hakim Khaksar a superb all rounder, Saber Zakhil a fast bowler with great speed. Mohammad Noman Kamawi a very good medium pacer, Rafiqi Rafiullah a talented batsman capable of playing long innings. Hendrick Robyns a superb all rounder very composed and skillful with both bat and ball and can play in any format of cricket. Clement showed that he is getting better as a keeper, his keeping got better as the tournament went on.
Belgium, France, Germany and Swiss participated in the tournament. The tournament was well organised and the team enjoyed their stay and the competition. The matches were played in grounds of Dreux and Grigny.
In the league matches, Belgium won it first match against the Swiss by 6 wickets in just 25th over. The target for Belgium was 86 Runs. Rafiullah with 32 runs and Hendrick (not out) at 23 run were the high scorers while Michael took 6 wickets.
In the second match against France, Belgium were bowled out for 86 runs by France. France won the match in the 28th over with the loss of just two wickets. Khaksar with 25 runs and Saber with 22 runs were the top scorers for Belgium.
Belgium had to win their third match against Germany to reach the finals and this they did it in style scoring a total of 310 runs. S Khaksar scored a brilliant 128 which included 8 sixers and 4 boundaries. Hendrick contributed 63 and Habib chipped in 33 runs. Michael, Khaksar and Noman took three wickets each to end the German innings.
The finals played out in 20/20 format between Belgium and France, Belgium took to fielding and France made 114 for 9. Unfortunately, French batsman D DAVIDSON retired hurt during the 6th over from Saber. France maintained the pressure on Belgium from the first ball and Belgium were all out in he 19th over for just 95 runs. In the other match Germany won against Swiss and took the third position in the competition.
All in all it was a good tournament and the team will gain from the experience.