Croatia beats Serbia and Belgium in cricket World Cup qualifiers

by croatiaweek
July 10, 2024
in Sport

(Photo: O. Tilley)

Croatia has begun its pursuit to qualify for the next ICC T20 World Cup with back-to-back victories.

Playing in the ICC T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifiers in Germany this week, Croatia caused a big upset on Monday by beating the much higher-ranked Belgium side, and have followed it up today with a win over rivals Serbia

Promising 16-year-old Zach Vukusic produced a man-of-the-match performance to guide Croatia to victory in their opening match against Belgium.

Zach Vukusic playing cricket for Croatia

Zach Vukusic (Photo: O. Tilley)

Vukusic, who plays club cricket in England and is a real talent, hit four sixes on his way to 53. He was ably assisted by Dan Marsic who scored 37 as Croatia posted 140/6 in their 20 overs.

A great opening spell of bowling had Belgium in big trouble early in their chase, and despite a half century from opener Muhammad Muneeb, tight bowling, and in the end rain, saw Croatia take all two points, winning by 6 runs on the DLS method.

Croatia cricket team celebrates a wicket

(Photo: O. Tilley)

Today’s victory over Serbia was more comfortable thanks to an impressive display again with the ball from the Croatians.

Vukusic again was the side’s top scorer, hitting 40 off just 26 balls in Croatia’s total of 104/9.

Zach Vukusic (Photo: O. Tilley)

A wonderful spell of bowling from Michael Grzinic at the top of the innings saw the required run-rate quickly become a problem for the Serbs.

John Vujnovich bowling for Croatia cricket

John Vujnovich (Photo: O. Tilley)

Grzinic finished his fantastic spell in the end with two for seven off his four overs. Three wickets a piece at key moments from skipper Daniel Turkich and medium-pacer Luke Potthoff helped restrict Serbia to 75/8, giving Croatia a 28-run victory.

Boro Jerkovic rifles one in (Photo: O. Tilley)

Croatia now has 4 points and are joint top of Group A with Jersey, whom they will play on Thursday. Their final group match will be against Switzerland. The winner of Group A will play the winner of Group B on Sunday.

Current standings (ICC)

The winner of the final will then go onto to a final qualifier with World Cup places up for grabs.

Croatia’s openers head out (Photo: O. Tilley)

Croatia’s squad is mainly made up of Australian and New Zealand Croatians who play their club cricket in their respective countries. Croatia is coached by former England international Mal Loye.