Cricket Finland

Finland recovered from yesterday's semi-final defeat and took the medals. Their team had changed a little and 85-4 was not quite what Finland were looking for. Belgium, however, did not manage in their pursuit and lost by 25 runs.

"Third place. Definitely an improvement from two years ago. Back then there were games where we were outplayed, throughly beaten. Now we could clearly cause problems even to top two teams. We made mistakes at crucial points. If we play our top game, we are capable of beating them. This is an achievement but we were out there to win the tournament. We will be a better side in two years time", said Captain Timo Ilva.

Written by on Tue, 12 Feb 2008

Portugal had already beaten Finland in the final round-robin game and they did so again in the semi-final by 11 runs. Portugal were mostly in control and Finland's brave fight in the end was to no avail. Captain Timo Ilva hit a six in the final over but got roofed going for another big one. Finland will play in the Bronze game against Belgium.

Written by on Sun, 10 Feb 2008

Finland's chances of a straight semi-final berth all but vanished as the champions Denmark showed their skills. In the morning game Finland beat France easily but in the very next game Denmark proved to be stronger. In the third over Finland were in deep trouble on 13-3 when the top order collapsed.

Finland gave it a good fight and the tail managed to raise some hopes getting them to 60-5. Denmark got the required runs with Kleissl and Shah hitting some boundaries. Finland play their final round-robin against Portugal.

Written by on Sat, 09 Feb 2008

Finland began their Euro campaign well by defeating all the days' opponents. In the opening game Greece lost by 73 runs and then Belgium in a thriller that went to the last over. Luxembourg could not resist very much in the evening game. Finland's captain Timo Ilva made 28 in the first two games respectively but was out early against Luxembourg. However, the rest of the team were not demoralised by their captain's dismissal and batted well to earn the win and put Finland to a strong position in the table.

"A good start, just what we wanted, I can't complain. But tomorrow's a new day and we have to start all over again. We'll be taking it a one game at the time", said Ilva.

Saturday morning sees Finland take on France with their other remaining round-robin matches against the holders Denmark and Portugal. The play-offs start in the afternoon and all eyes are on the Final on Sunday. 

Written by on Sat, 09 Feb 2008

Timo Ilva (27) was interviewed as the team was preparing for ICC Indoor 2008. Read what he had to say here.

Written by on Thu, 07 Feb 2008