Portugal retain the E.C.C. Indoor Championship Peter D Eckersley - 13-14 February 1999 CricInfo report

Portugal have defeated Austria in the final of this year's ECC six-a-side championship to retain the trophy that they won last year in Versailles.

The group matches were completed first this morning with Portugal securing a semi-final berth by surpassing Sweden's modest 91-1 in their 10 overs with a score of 92 for 1 in 8 overs. Austria breezed past their Alpine neighbours Switzerland (59 all out) without the loss of a single wicket and with plenty of overs to spare.

In Group B, Germany restricted France to 77 for 1 in their 10 overs and passed that score with room to spare but having lost 2 wickets on the way to a winning total of 78.

The hosts, Belgium made 96 all out in their match against Greece but then bowled their opponents out for 77 to win by 19 runs.

This then set up the semi-finals as: Portugal -v- Greece Belgium -vAustria.

Greece batted first and made a creditable 124 for 1 in their 10 overs. Portugal, however, cruised to 126 without loss with a full over to spare.

In the other semi-final Austria notched up 125 for 1 in their 10 overs and then bowled out their hosts, Belgium for a paltry 74.

In the high scoring final, Austria amassed 132 for 2 in their allotted overs but although they achieved the distinction of being the only side to take 2 Portuguese wickets in the entire Championship, it was not enough and Portugal moved steadily to 133 for 2 with 7 balls to spare.

The Man of the Championship was named Portugal's Nelson Ferreira whilst his younger brother Paulo Ferreira was named Man of the Match in the final.

For the Cricket Association of Portugal

Peter D. Eckersley
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