NZCPA Masters Win Inaugural Titans International T20

Samsung Masters Win Inaugural Titans International T20 Clash

Report

In an entertaining match at Seddon Park the Samsung Masters chased down the challenging total set by the ACA Masters to win the inaugural Titans International T20 trophy. Runs flowed throughout the evening with some of the biggest stars demonstrating that class truly is forever. With the devastation in Christchurch affecting the nation just days prior, the focus of the match was certainly altered as along with all cricketers around the country, all connected with the Titans International T20 immediately turned attentions to what could be done to assist.

Stephen Fleming won the toss for the Samsung Masters and invited the Australians to bat first on a very placid Seddon Park pitch. The ACA Masters opening pair of Chris Simpson and Ryan Campbell set the tone for the match early and in particular it was
Western Australia's lesser known wicketkeeper batsman Campbell who led the Australian assault on the New Zealand attack with a quick fire 89 from 52 balls (17 boundaries and one six).

The ACA Masters captain Jimmy Maher ensured there was no respite for the Samsung Masters bowlers compiling 34 runs from 23 deliveries. Murphy Sua was the best of the bowlers capturing 3 wickets for 24 runs from his 4 overs and in the process stopped Campbell's march toward a century when he comprehensively bowled the opener in the 15th over. Brad Hogg helped the ACA Masters to post an imposing total of 182 with a swift 19 runs at the end of the Australians innings.

The Samsung Masters always looked in control of the run chase with Mark Greatbatch demonstrating more than a glimpse of the destructive batting to which he became renowned for. Greatbatch set a cracking pace for the innings and mercilessly dealt to the Australian attack on his way to 76 (from 47 deliveries), dominating the opening stand of 105 posted with Bryan Young.

In the end it was an historic battle between two icons of the game that cut Greatbatch short of his century. Australian spinner Greg Matthews was always competitive on the field and although the years have snuck by, it was clear that 'Mo' Matthews enjoyed renewing, and ultimately ending the battle with Greatbatch.

Bryan Young carried on from the platform laid by Greatbatch to finish not out on 82 (from 47 deliveries) as the Samsung Masters edged past the total at the end of the 18th over. Young was in scintillating form smacking 10 boundaries and 4 sixes.

The official MVP for the match, as determined by the Mitre10 MVP ranking system was Australian Ryan Campbell with 21.79 points. Bryan Young was a very close second with 21.68 points and Mark Greatbatch third with 20.75.

Although the match was entertaining the players and officials thoughts were certainly with those affected by the earthquake in Christchurch. There were a number of fund raising activities held throughout the match with all proceeds from these going directly to the official Christchurch earthquake relief fund.

Scorecard