Australia took the Videocon Cup, staged in the Netherlands, by winning an
exciting slow-burn final against Pakistan. But the tournament itself was a
damp squib. Organised as a triangular quickie, with India the third team, as
a warm-up for the Champions Trophy in England, it took place in
Amsterdam's wettest August since 1912: all four games were affected, only
two reached a result, and Sony Max, the Indian broadcasters, reportedly cut
their payments from $2m to $1.5m for each of the competing teams' boards.
Australia refused to reschedule their two washed-out preliminary fixtures,
and managed to qualify for the final without actually completing a game.
The Royal Dutch Cricket Association were dependent on gate receipts for a
share of the profits, but attendances dwindled after the opening game, between
India and Pakistan, which drew the customary throng of expat Asians.
Match reports for
1st Match: India v Pakistan at Amstelveen, Aug 21, 2004
Report |
Scorecard
2nd Match: Australia v India at Amstelveen, Aug 23, 2004
Report |
Scorecard
3rd Match: Australia v Pakistan at Amstelveen, Aug 25, 2004
Report |
Scorecard
Final: Australia v Pakistan at Amstelveen, Aug 28, 2004
Report |
Scorecard