The French women’s cricket team came last at a tournament in the overseas territory of New Caledonia on Friday, but officials are optimistic for the future. The brand-new squad completely replaced the women's team whose members called for a probe last year into allegations that France Cricket was faking "ghost" matches to receive funding slated for women's cricket.
It was a thrilling finish at N’Du Stadium in Nouméa on Friday.
The French national women’s cricket team finished last by the slimmest of margins at a home tournament in the Pacific Ocean territory of New Caledonia, their fate sealed by two wide balls bowled by Kamea Moingoto.
The final deliveries of the match came in a second “Super Over”, an extremely rare occurrence that only happens when a game ends in a tie and the resulting tie-breaker also ends in a tie.
The defeat by Fiji means France has lost each of its matches in the inaugural Pacific France Women’s T20I Championship, which also featured Samoa and Vanuatu.
With an average of just 53 runs per match, it might look like a resounding failure for the French. Yet speaking to local public television – which broadcast the match live – France Cricket chairman Prebagarane Balane focused on the positives.
“We can see the French team getting better,” he said ahead of the final Super Over.
“Next year in the same tournament we’ll be the team to beat.”
These were not, however, the same players that cricket fans are used to seeing in French colours.
Missing teams, invalid matches
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