The first ever Tri-nation Air Force limited over Cricket Tournament was hosted recently by the Indian Air Force at Palam Cricket Ground, New Delhi. The three teams participating in this tournament were from the Air Forces of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India. The tournament was inaugurated by Air Marshal S Krishnaswamy, Air Officer Commanding.

The nine day-long event started at the venue with all fanfare. The tournament turned out to be a huge draw. A large number of cricket loving youth poured in to witness the event. Through the scheduled league matches the tournament progressed smoothly towards finals.

In the league matches played, India had the upper hand. On the opening day, while playing against Sri Lankans, IAF team scored 270 runs in the allotted 50 overs. In reply, Sri Lankans were bundled out for a paltry total of 96 for 9 wickets in 25.5 overs. In the final match between IAF and Bangladesh Air Force, the former team won the toss and elected to bat. IAF scored a huge total of 431 runs for six wickets in allotted 50 overs. In reply, BAF team could score only 44 runs in 17.3 overs, all out. In their second match against Sri Lankan Air Force, won the toss but invited SLAF team to bat first. SLAF team could muster a score of 232 runs for 7 wickets in allotted 50 overs. In reply, IAF team achieved the target of 233 runs losing just 4 wickets in 45.2 overs. The last of the league match of the tournament was played between IAF and Bangladesh Air Force. In this match, BAF team won the toss and elected to bat. The BAF team was bundled out for an insignificant total of 85 runs in 25.5 overs. In reply, IAF achieved the target of 87 runs losing only 1 wicket in 11.2 overs. The IAF team won the match by 9 wickets and qualified for the finals.

The Indian Air Force cricket team won the finals of the championship beating Sri Lankan Air Force by 80 runs. With this win, the Indian Air Force remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. The match was also witnessed by Air Chief Marshal AY Tipnis, Mr Mostafa Farucue Mohammed, Bangladesh High Commissioner and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Prof Senak Bandarnayke.

Earlier in the day, the IAF won the toss and elected to bat. IAF scored a modest 208 runs for 9 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs. The top scorers were Satish Upadhyay with 43 runs and Pankaj Maitrey with 33 runs. Roy Silva emerged as the most successful bowler with 3 wickets in his 10 overs giving away just 36 runs. The Sri Lankan started the run chase in a cautious manner, leaving nothing to chance, though they scored at a steady run rate of just over four an over. However, a good line and length bowling by the IAF bowlers led to a middle-order collapse, leaving them at paltry 128 runs for 7 wickets by the end of the 32nd over. The climax was offered by Sgt JP Pandey of the IAF. He made a hattrick claiming the last three Sri Lankan wickets to win the match and tournament. The ‘man of the match’ was awarded to Cpl Mohan for his quickfire 17 runs in 10 deliveries that he faced and an impressive bowling figure of 7 overs, 28 runs and 3 wickets at a very crucial juncture of the match. Sgt JP Pandey was adjudged the best bowler.

The man of the series was awarded to RD Dissanayaka of Sri Lankan Air Force for a century and a half-century in the league matches and a 13 wicket haul in the tournament. The best batsman and best fielder trophies were awarded to PMS Reddy of the IAF and Dileep Fernando of the Sri
Lankan Air Force respectively. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AY Tipnis presented the awards.

The tri-nation tournament was organised as a part of the IAF initiatives to promote goodwill and better understanding amongst the Air Forces of friendly countries through the medium of sports.