I Kadek Gamantika (left) - Andriani (Courtesy of JCA)

Cricket shone brightly in its historic debut at the recently concluded 2016 National Games in West Java.

More than 200 young Indonesian players, many of whom had not even heard of cricket until two years ago, made Bandung sit up and take notice as they demonstrated not only excellent team-spirit, but also a knowledge, keenness and grasp of the game that belied their age and limited exposure.

Bali Putras, which has benefited from playing together regularly in the Bali League, won both the Super 8s and T20 gold medals by demonstrating greater mental strength to perform well in key moments in big games.

Its captain, I Kadek Gamantika, a long-term national player, performed with considerable aplomb and emerged as Putra’s most valuable player (MVP) of the tournament. Having had a relatively weak batting performance throughout the fortnight, he was keen and pumped-up to make a difference in the T20 finals. And perform he did.

He lit up the Siliwangi Stadium with a fantastic 102 not out from just 51 balls. Many of the school kids, policemen and military personnel present at the stadium were treated to a fire-works display that included seven 4s and seven 6s.

Gamantika surely would have made his cricketing idol, Ricky Ponting, proud, as he raced to his ton with two 6s from the last two balls of the innings bowled by the most economical bowler of the tournament, Desandri Candil Saputra. Gamantika also emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament.

Muhammad Anjar Tadarus of West Java emerged as the best batsman of the tournament and though he fought valiantly in the finals, he couldn’t drag his team home to a win on that day.

Some other stars that emerged from the Bali Putras were Rizky Tri Tubbi and Agi Saptiaza of Jakarta, I Gede Dewa Putra Kisawa of Bali, Muhaddis of West Java and Presley Arron Manaha of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Jakarta took home both gold medals in the women’s competition.

While Puji Haryanti and Annisa Sulistianingsih were the team’s best performers, its success was characterized by an all-round team effort. The energy and passion displayed by the team was truly commendable.

Although her team didn’t go on to win a gold medal, Andriani of West Java stood out for her all-round consistency and emerged as the MVP among the female players.

Andriani, who had the unique distinction of playing for the Indonesian under-15 boys’ team at the ICC EAP tournament in 2008, emerged as the highest scorer (198 runs) and also bowled well to take nine wickets.

Putu Sri Apridayanti emerged as the best bowler.

Some other notable performances included Ni Kadek Fitria Rada Rani of Bali, Tri Wardani Hamid of South Sulawesi and Yong Kartini of East Kalimantan.

The tournament was also characterized by its professional comportment including the use of international umpires, live and transparent internet scoring and smooth overall conduct.

“The power of sport in fostering unity in diversity was very evident in the spirit and energy shown by the cricketers at the Games,” said Abhiram Singh Yadav, the vice chairman of the Indonesian Cricket Association (PCI).

“All the hard work put in for more than 15 years by Indonesian cricket has finally borne fruit. Today, cricket has emerged as a major alternative sport that not only binds together the diverse youth of Indonesia, but also provides a new platform to accelerate future success,” said Yadav, who was the key promoter of the sport at the Games.

Meanwhile, PCI chief Aziz Syamsudin said: “The quality of cricket at display here further motivates us to strive for more success both at the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games.

“We are committed to starting a national league next year.”

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