Graeme Monaghan
Thailand showed their mettle by finishing third from the eleven
countries contesting the Asian Cricket Council’s Under-19 women’s
tournament, conducted at the Gymkhana Club and Prem Centre.
Chiang
Mai cricketing superstars: Parn, Oil & Jeen.
Their good showing was largely due to the excellent performances of the
three Chiang Mai girls representing their country. Between them they
took 34 wickets in the six matches played with Piraorn Kamla (Parn)
leading the way with 16 including an excellent 4 for 17 against the
eventual winners, Nepal. Porntira Olarakchat (Oil) took 12 and Pimpika
Jindakam; six. All three attend the Prince Royal’s College.
Their success was made even more meritorious by the fact that all of
them are only thirteen years of age.
The competition was wonderfully managed and orchestrated by the ACC at
considerable cost, and treated, as any international event should be,
with great professionalism. Top class umpires, referees, scorers and
other officials were always on hand to ensure the smooth running of the
games and even medical staff was provided.
Eventual winners, Nepal, were undefeated throughout and looked the
better side from the start. The other favoured team was Hong Kong who
were beaten twice by Thailand, both in exciting matches.
In the runoff game for third place Thailand, chasing Hong Kong’s 74,
crashed to 6 for 42 and their search for victory looked beyond hope. But
steady batting by Nathakan Chanithan and Pimpika Jindakam (Jeen), who
kept cool heads and attacked anything loose, saw Thailand home with Jeen
hitting the winning four runs with a powerful pull shot.
It was a wonderful exhibition of cricket and sportsmanship throughout
and enjoyed by a daily increasing number of spectators.
January will see another international tournament with the men’s ACC
Challenge Trophy between Bhutan, Brunei, China, Iran, Maldives, Oman and
Thailand. Matches will be played between the 7th and 14th at both venues
and spectators are welcome.
Jeen hits the winning run against Hong Kong
to give Thailand 3rd place.
Nepal celebrate their 7-wicket win
over Malaysia in the final. (Photo/Asian Cricket Council)
