Cricket: Bay of Plenty Indians defend national Indian title

The Bay of Plenty Indian cricket team, pictured with All Black Nehe Milner-Scudder, have won their second successive New Zealand Indian Sports Association tournament. Photo / Supplied

The Bay of Plenty Indians have won their second successive national cricket title.

The Rotorua-based side have successfully defended their New Zealand Indian Sports Association cricket title by beating Wellington A and B and Auckland in Wellington at the weekend.

Bay of Plenty Indians captain Rohan Gosai said day one of the tournament was in doubt with rain forecast but a change from grass pitches to artificial and all games being reduced to 20 overs meant play could go on.

"Game one was against Wellington B who put on a total of 108 for us to chase. Honourable mention to bowler Jayvant Dhanjee for picking up a couple wickets early and rocking the Wellington side.

"It was not a big total, but the Wellington team didn't make it easy for us. However, Yash Patel steadied the ship and Himesh Gosai hit the winning runs," Gosai said.

In game two the Bay of Plenty side batted first against Auckland and Bharat Popli was the star as he top scored with 67, helping his team to a total of 210 runs.

It was a big total to chase and Auckland could only manage 120 in reply.

"Day two was the big day as winning game three meant winning the tournament and defending the title," Gosai said.

"Bowling first [against Wellington A] our side had a great start and snapped up six early wickets and had them at 67/6, but a resilient Wellington side got to 140 at the end of 20 overs."

The total was chased down in quick fashion by Bay of Plenty for the loss of just one wicket. Umesh Morarji top scored with 85 and was also named Bay of Plenty's most valuable player.

"With a number of players named in the tournament side I'm very proud of the boys for coming out champions for another year and am looking forward to defending the title for again.

"These types of tournaments are very special to the club as the boys play for the members of the club who have passed away. We dedicated this tournament to a close friend and member of the club Dipak Dheda, who worked very hard behind the scenes to make these tournaments happen and passed away last year."