Blewett blasts home victory

Former Surrey player Adam Hollioake grabbed a hat trick to lead his International XI to a six-wicket victory over an Asian XI in a Twenty20 tsunami appeal match at the Brit Oval today.

After winning the toss and batting first, the Asian XI had a great start as Sanath Jayasuria plundered along after the early loss of Virender Sehwag. Upon reaching 27 off 15 balls, Chris Cairns then accounted for the left-handed Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara was run out on the same score (45), the momentum at this point shifting to the International team.

A steady flow of wickets followed with captain Rahul Dravid (64) and Mahela Jayawardene (24) offering some resistance in the middle order. Then came the decisive moments with the score at 157, as Hollioake dismissed Rahul Dravid, Chaminda Vaas (both caught in the deep) and Anil Kumble in succession, to end the Asian XI’s innings at 157 off 19.1 overs.

If there was any doubt about the target, former Australian test opener Greg Blewett put those qualms to rest with a brilliant innings of 91 not out. After losing Stephen Fleming without scoring, and losing a swathe of middle order players in quick time, Blewett took control and faced just 61 balls for his explosive innings. It included seven boundaries and five thumping sixes. Scott Styris, who hit a belligerent and unbeaten 39, adequately supported him in the latter stages of the innings. The International side achieved their target with 2.5 overs to spare and six wickets in hand.

Insurance company Brit, Surrey’s ground sponsor, pledged 250 pounds for every run, 2,000 pounds for every four and 5,000 pounds for every six scored. The event raised over 1 million pounds for the Tsunami relief.

Match Summary

International XI 161-4, 18.1 overs (Blewett 91*, Styris 39*)

Asian XI 157 all out, 19.1 overs (Dravid 62)

Result: International XI won by 6 wickets.