NT Strike Win 2023 CDU Top End T20 Series

An incredible hundred by NT Strike opener Jack Wood (109 off 59 balls) set the tone for a dominant display by the home side, winning the final by 46 runs and finishing the tournament undefeated.

Winning the toss, the home side sent the Shaheens into the field before posting an impressive 4/185 thanks largely to Wood’s big hitting in an innings that saw him clear the rope five times.

Wood was deservedly named Player of the Final, completing a never before achieved treble.  The all-rounder having recently won Player of the Final in Desert Blaze’s victory over City Cyclones in the 2023 CDU Men’s Strike League, as well as Player of the Final when Waratah CC defeated Nightcliff CC in the Darwin & Districts T20 Club Competition.

The Shaheens were always going to have to bat exceptionally to chase down 185, and despite some late power hitting from Arafat Minhas, the total was just a bridge too far with the visitors finishing their campaign 7/139 and well short of the target.

NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said this year’s Top End T20 Series was a raging success, and just the start of things to come.

“We will take a big deep breath and then review the series, but I couldn’t be prouder of the effort of so many people who have contributed to a wonderful week of elite cricket in the Top End.

“My staff have been simply incredible. Herculean on every front. 6 teams, 16 games in 7 days, across 3 venues. Not easy.

“The support we’ve received from our commercial partners and the NT Government, again, just incredible. They backed us, backed our vision for what we think Cricket 365 can be, and hopefully they’ve seen a glimpse of that this year.

“The feedback from all the teams and players has been so positive. They’ve all loved it and gone out of their way to thank us for how good the facilities are and how much they’ve enjoyed coming up here to Darwin this time of year.”

Dovey said he was incredibly proud of the NT Strike’s performances during the Series, and indebted to the Pakistan Cricket Board for their trust and belief.

“Credit to Udara, Matt and Michael. They’ve created a great environment from day one. The boys have enjoyed each other’s company, enjoyed their cricket and the results reflect that.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board have just been first class in every respect. A better group you could not wish to meet. We are so humbled to have had the opportunity to host them here in Darwin and we’d love to think they’ll consider coming back in the future.”

Melbourne Stars Academy Captain Sam Harper was the leading run scorer for the 2023 tournament making 199 runs at an average of 49.15.

NT Strike and Palmerston CC’s Hamish Martin claimed the title of leading wicket taker, finishing his campaign with 12 wickets at an average of 8.75.