Croatia A in Macedonia

With high hopes of winning the tournament, the Croatians arrived in Skopje despite airline strikes and long waits at the border crossings. Indeed, for some of those that drove down from Split, they will have tales to tell their grandchildren.

Game 1: Croatia A vs Hungary

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Croatia A got off to a shaky start losing quick wickets in the first few overs and things were looking ominous that we wouldn’t reach a hundred. In what can only be described as an inspired performance, David Lambaša scored 59 out of an eventual total of 100, 46 of these coming off 8 consecutive balls.

Starting off well in the field was vital and Nikola Davidović did just that, claiming a wicket in his first over. With some tight bowling and good catching, the Croatians good sense victory. However, the Hungarians passed the total with an over to spare; leaving us to wonder what could’ve been if we had batted 20 overs instead of 15.

Game 2: Croatia A vs Romania

In what was a must win game in order to stay in the hunt for a semi final spot, the Croatians performed at their best against the Romanians. Electing to bat first once again, the Croatians posted 158 with Zdenko Leko adding 49 and David Lambaša (40) continued with his good form.

In what set up a superb fielding performance, Ivan Pažanin took the catch of the tournament at cow corner to dismiss the Romanian captain in the first over. Jasen Butković and Lenko Marinković bowled tightly and effectively in the middle overs, both picking up 3 victims. With the rest of the bowlers chipping in and the fielders doing their jobs, Croatia A dismissed the Romanians for 58, thereby ensuring a well deserved 100 run victory.

Game 3: Croatia A vs Macedonia

Playing the hosts in Game 3 for a semi-final place motivated the Croatians to once again perform at the required level. Losing the toss and fielding first saw the Croatians restrict Macedonia to 111/6 after their 20 overs. All the bowlers picked up a victim and once again some tight bowling in the middle overs ensured a victory.

With the Macedonians gifting the Croatians 53 extras, only 59 had to come off the bat. Once again top scorer was David Lambaša with 25. Having reached the target with overs to spare, the Croatians now looked forward to a semi-final game against the Russians.

Semi-Final: Croatia A vs Russia

The Russians being the favourites for the tournament were a tough draw in the semis, but after two comfortable wins the Croatians were confident of victory. Russia batting first got off to a flyer, helped by some wayward Croatian bowling and at the halfway stage were comfortable at 80 odd for two. In what was a better performance in the last ten overs, Russia finished on 149/9, the Croatians restricting them to only 32 off the last 8 overs. Vivek Sharma, who had flown in the night before showed his class and bagged 4 Russians for 23.

Zdenko Leko and Antonio Lipanović once again got us off to a good start and Croatia were looking good at the halfway mark. Nikola Davidović played the innings of the tournament scoring 54 off not many deliveries, keeping Croatia in the hunt. Unfortunately the Croatians fell 7 runs short and were left to rue the 27 extras presented to the Russians.

3rd vs 4th Play-off: Croatia A vs Bulgaria

Hoping for a medal, the Croatians were determined to show their steel and sink the Bulgarian ship. Bulgaria winning the toss and electing to bat were led by their captain in a brilliant knock of 102 in only 17 overs. The rest of the team followed suit and Romania ended on 180/6. Vivek Sharma, the only Croatian bowler to impress ended on figures of 3/19.
 

With a big ask ahead, the Croatians started well and were up with the run rate before losing Antonio Lipanović for 22. Another quick wicket fell and the run rate increased, leaving young Nikola to once again try and save a sinking ship. He once again answered the call by scoring 65, but with the constant coming and going of batting partners, he eventually succumbed to the Bulgarian bowling.
 

Round-up

The Croatian Cricket Federation would like to thank Timothy Abrahams and Ray Power and his team for the excellent organisation of the event. Thanks too must go to the Hungarians and Russians , for giving us a dream final and we look forward to participating next year.