Cricket has always been India’s favourite sport, but its popularity increased after the country won the Cricket World Cup in 1983 and millions of Indians across the world follow and play cricket passionately.
New Zealand is no exception and people of Indian origin have enhanced the quality of the game over the years.
The New Zealand Indian Sports Association Cricket Tournament held at Ray Boord Park in Rotorua earlier this month was an example.
Bay of Plenty Indians hosted this highly competitive cricket event this year in which six teams from North Island participated.
They won for the first time, defeating Wellington B in the final by 134 runs (scoring 204 for seven), helped by the strong opening partnership between Umesh Morarji and Lilesh Solanki
Wellington B folded for only 70 runs.
Captain Prashant Dhanjee fondly remembered the stellar roles played by two foundation members (the late Harry Unka and Kishor Morarji) and dedicated his Rotorua based team’s victory to them.
Another stalwart of the team Diyal Dheda watched his side emerge triumphant from the side-lines.
