Cricket news round-up – 30 September: Singapore stun Zimbabwe, Athapaththu goes down fighting, no play at Surat, CPL top four decided

Singapore pulled off an upset, defeating Zimbabwe by 4 runs in the Singapore T20 Tri-Series; a wet outfield led to abandonment of the third T20I between India and South Africa, at Surat; Chamari Athapaththu’s dazzling hundred went in vain; and all four teams have now qualified for the Playoffs of the 2019 CPL.

Singapore create history, Nepal rise to top

Singapore beat Zimbabwe by 4 runs in the third match of the Singapore T20 Tri-Series. Batting first after a delayed start, they reached 181/9 thanks to Tim David (41 in 24 balls) and Manpreet Singh (41 in 23). Ryan Burl had 3-0-24-3.

Regis Chakabva (41 in 19) and Sean Williams (66 in 35) led the charge for Zimbabwe. At one stage they needed just 40 in 29 balls with 8 wickets in hand, but they fell short against some excellent death bowling from Amjad Mahboob (4-0-20-2) and Janak Prakash (4-0-34-2).

Nepal now lead the points table, followed by Zimbabwe and Singapore in that order.

No play at Surat – again

As in the second, the third T20I between India Women and South Africa Women, at Surat, was abandoned without a ball being bowled – or even a toss, due to a wet outfield.

India lead the series 1-0 at this stage. The last 2 T20Is will also be played at Surat, on October 1 and 4.

Mooney trumps Athapaththu in battle of 113s

Australia Women went 1-0 up with a 41-run against Sri Lanka Women in the 3-match series, at North Sydney Oval. Batting first, Australia Women piled up 217/4 thanks to Beth Mooney’s 61-ball 113. Mooney was supported by Ashleigh Gardner (49 in 27) and Alyssa Healy (43 in 21). Oshadi Ranasinghe had 4-0-44-2.

In response, Chamari Athapaththu evoked memories of the 2017 World Cup. She matched Mooney’s score with a 66-ball 113 out of a total of 176/7; none of her teammates went past 16. Georgia Wareham returned figures of 2-0-19-2 and Jess Jonassen 4-0-27-0.

Zouks knocked out, top four decided in CPL

Barbados Tridents beat St Lucia Zouks by 24 runs to knock the latter out of the tournament. This also ensured the Tridents’ qualification for the Playoffs alongside Guyana Amazon Warriors, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, and Trinbago Knight Riders.

Johnson Charles (47 in 36 balls) first helped the Tridents put up 141/6 despite some tight bowling from Krishmar Santokie (4-0-25-2) and Hardus Viljoen (4-0-26-2).

The Zouks had the completely under control. At one stage they needed 31 in 26 balls with 6 wickets in hand. They were bowled out 6 runs later, by Hayden Walsh (3.4-0-26-4) and Harry Gurney (4-0-17-3).