Poland's International Debut a Large Success!
In what can only be described as the most exciting sporting spectacle to grace the nation in many years, International Cricket and Poland finally had their first dance. The Polish Cricket Association would like send their gratitude to the BCC for their cooperation in establishing this tour. It was a fantastic moment for both nations, and we hope this leads to great cooperation and relations into the future.
Our first ever international match took place at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzow. Welsh captain Dai Carlson would call correctly, and elect to bat with the decision being well and truly justified as the Welsh top order dined out the Polish attack. 4 players in Wales' top 5 would pass 50, with skipper Dai Carlson hitting a blistering 58* (42) to guide the total to 4/281 off their 50 overs. All-Rounder Stainslaw Sebastain the pick of the bowlers with 3/64.
When the Polish came out to bat it was disaster from ball one, with much anticipated youngster, and vice captain Jonasz Kamil being dismissed first ball of the innings, LBW to Johnny Harris. While the top order would fight back and bring the Polish to 4/189, led by captain Gustaw Walter (60 off 61), once the Miloslaw/Aleks partnership was broken, the Polish would lose 6/25 in a devastating collapse that saw them fall short of the target by 67 runs.
WALES 281/4 50.0 overs
POLAND 214 40.4 overs
Wales won by 67 runs
Man of the match: Dai Carlson (Wales)
The 2nd ODI would take us to the nations capital, playing at the National Stadium in Warsaw. Poland would name an unchanged side, backing the boys to bounce back in the 2nd ODI and level the series 1-1. This time it would Gustaw Walter who would win the toss, and bravely send the Welsh in to bat first. It was the innings that showed the inconsistency in the pitch, with many of the Welsh players getting a start but failing to go onto make the big score needed. Kacper Mateusz and Waldemar Justyn would pick up 2 wickets apiece and only a late innings fightback from Wales' number 7 Zinzan Taylor (59* off 64) would be the highlight for the Welsh as they stumbled to 6/237 off their alloted overs.
Unfortunately for Jonasz Kamil he was still unable to get off to the flying start we can see from him as he departed early for 10, with Milogost also falling cheaply for 17. When Kusz was dismissed for a well made 39, it would bring Bronislaw Aleks to the crease along side skipper Gustaw Walter, and the 2 set upon chasing down the total with ease. A 116 run partnership would all but seal the fate for the Welsh, and Manfred Miloslaw would also finish with 26*, seeing the Polish home and leveling the series 1-1.
WALES 237/6 50.0 overs
POLAND 241/4 45.4 overs
Poland won by 6 wickets (with 26 deliveries remaining)
Man of the match: Gustaw Walter (Poland)
Poland level 2-match series 1-1
Player of the series: Gustaw Walter (Poland)
The final match of Wales tour was a Test Match played at the Gdansk Stadium. Wales would win the toss and elect to bat, but it was the brilliance of August Celestyn (7/49) that would see the Welsh collapse on day 1, being bowled out in the 74th over with 155 on the board. In response the Polish would be led by International Debutant, Rajmund Cezary, who whilst not being picked for the ODI's, was brilliant in his test debut, and hit a patient 74, while Bronislaw Aleks also would score a lovely 53, carrying on his form from the ODI series. However the headlines from this first innings was taken by Welsh left arm off-spinner Izamam Wasim who took the best ever figures in Test Match History with a staggering 9/86. However whilst this looks impressive it was very much a lone hand, as the Polish still managed a total of 329 despite the brilliance of Wasim.
Wales would walk out to bat in their second innings 174 runs behind and would need some brilliance to get themselves back into the match. And it was none other than captain Dai Carlson who would provide it. A fantastic match high 124 from the captain would lead the Welsh to a total of 356, leaving the Polish with with a target of 183. However it just wasn't enough for the Welsh as the Poles would easily chase the target, with Gustaw Walter again leading the way with 54, and Rafal Kusz scoring 49 at the top of the order.
Wales 155 & 356
Poland 329 & 186/4
Poland won by 6 wickets
Man of the match: August Celestyn (Poland)
We would again like to thank the BCC for there cooperation in establishing this tour. This will be the start of something great for both nations cricketing aspirations. We will head to Israel very soon for a 3 match ODI series, where we will look to continue our winning ways!
