ASHES RIVALS FACE-OFF IN CATHAY PACIFIC/STANDARD CHARTERED HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CRICKET SIXES

2005 Cathay Pacific / Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes Press Conference © CCIL

Hong Kong, September 16: Ashes protagonists England and Australia will continue their battle for supremacy at this year's Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes.

Less than six weeks after completing a momentous five-match Test series in England, the traditional rivals will face off in Pool 1 of the world's foremost Sixes event.

"With England defending their Sixes title and Australia making a welcome return to the tournament it's a mouth-watering prospect," said Clive Howard, Chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA). "I also expect a strong challenge from Pakistan and India," he added.

Joining England and Australia in Pool 1 are Sri Lanka, last year's beaten finalists, and hosts Hong Kong, winners of the Plate competition in 2004.

Pool 2 comprises four-time champions Pakistan, India, South Africa and West Indies, returning to the Sixes for the first time since 1997.

Carrying a first prize of US$100,000 and total prize-money of US$280,000, the 11th edition of the Sixes will take place at Kowloon Cricket Club on October 22-23.

In what promises to be a thrilling climax to the opening day, England will face Australia at 3.35 pm in the penultimate match of the day before Pakistan take on India in a key Pool 2 contest to conclude the Saturday action.

The all-action short form version of the game has been thrilling the SAR crowds since its inception in 1992 and HKCA officials are confident that this year will be the best yet.

Said Howard: "The Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes is unique. No other event brings so many top cricketing nations together at one venue.

"We are staging another high quality international sporting event that attracts top professional players and provides global exposure for Hong Kong. We are indebted to the continuing support of our title sponsors, Cathay Pacific Airways and Standard Chartered Bank."

England, tournament winners in 1993, 1994, 2003 and 2004, are primed to send a strong squad once more.

In the climax to a spectacular weekend of cricket at the KCC last year, England scored a comprehensive five-wicket Cup final victory over surprise finalists Sri Lanka.

James Barrington, Director Sales and Marketing, Cathay Pacific Airways, said: "Cathay Pacific Airways is once again delighted to be the co-sponsor with Standard Chartered Bank of the 2005 Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes.

"As the airline of Hong Kong, we have a long tradition of helping bring top international sports and cultural events to Hong Kong to make the city a great place to visit - and live.

"It therefore gives us tremendous pleasure to bring the world's greatest cricket nations together for this superb sporting spectacle."

Andrew Bester, Co-Head Wholesale Banking, Greater China and Japan, for Standard Chartered said: "We are very excited to bring back to Hong Kong the Cricket Sixes with the support of co-sponsors Cathay Pacific and the Hong Kong Cricket Association.

"As a leading, note-issuing bank with nearly 150 years experience in Hong Kong, we are firmly committed to this city and to promoting world class sporting events. The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, which celebrates its 10th anniversary next year, and the firmly established Hong Kong Cricket Sixes draw spectators from around the world and truly showcase dynamic Hong Kong."

Tickets for next month's Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes are available from today (September 16). Two-day ticket prices have been set at HK$300 for adults and HK$150 for children aged 15 and under.

Games are played in five-over innings, with each team member, other than the wicket-keeper, bowling one over. The eight competing teams are split into two groups of four and will play each other on a round-robin basis on day one.

The top two teams in each pool will progress to the Cup competition knockout stages, while the bottom two teams in each of the pools will compete for the Plate.

The 2005 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes will take place at Kowloon Cricket Club, 10 Cox's Road, Kowloon on October 22-23. Two-day passes cost HK$300 for adults and HK$150 for children aged 15 and under, and are on sale through Cityline at (www.cityline.com) as well as at the following outlets: Hong Kong Cricket Club (137 Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, Happy Valley, 2574 6266); Kowloon Cricket Club (10 Cox's Road, Jordan, 2367 4141); Dot Cod Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Prince's Building, Central 2810 6988).

Provided by the Hong Kong Cricket Association. For further information, please contact Dave Poon or Danny Lai at (852) 2504-8101.