'GIANT' DROS ALL SET FOR CATHAY PACIFIC/STANDARD CHARTERED HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CRICKET SIXES

Gerald Dros and Gulam Bodi celebrate a wicket at the 2004 Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes © CCIL

Hong Kong, October 5: The massive frame of Gerald Dros will spearhead South Africa's bid for glory at this month's Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes.

Standing over six-feet four-inches tall and towering above most of his team-mates and opponents, Dros will be anxious to impose his presence in the world's premier Sixes event at the Kowloon Cricket Club on October 22-23.

This will be the fourth successive year in which Dros has represented his country at the Sixes, and the second year in a row that the all-rounder has been named as captain.

Cup champions in 1995, the South Africans have been drawn in Pool 2 where they will face Pakistan, India and the West Indies.

By their own admission, the South Africans have under-achieved in Hong Kong in recent years, failing to qualify for the Cup competition in both 2003 and 2004.

Last year, they suffered a shock defeat in the Pool stage to minnows from the United Arab Emirates, despite a typically explosive 32 with the bat from Dros.

They endured further ignominy in the Plate semi-final, losing by five wickets to Kenya. However, thanks to an unbeaten 17 from Gulam Bodi and a last-ball boundary from William Hantam they succeeded in a thrilling run chase to beat India in the Plate's third place play-off.

Bodi, a forceful left-handed batsman, and Hantam, a talented left-arm paceman, are also returning to Hong Kong to play alongside Dross this year.

Also looking to stamp their mark will be Adam Bacher, a veteran of 19 Test matches, Ahmed Amla, Tyron Henderson, a big-hitting batsman who was voted South Africa's Pro20 Cricketer of the Year for 2005 and all-rounder Eugene Moleon, the recently appointed captain of the North West Powerade Dragons.

Clive Howard, Chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA), said: "Apart from missing the inaugural Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes in 1992, South Africa have been ever-present in the competition.

"We're delighted that they will be back this year with an exciting side that combines youth and experience. I think Pool 2 is very well balanced with four Test-playing nations, all of whom are capable of winning the competition."

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

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.

Tickets for the 2005 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes are selling quickly. 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 wicketkeeper, 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.

SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD: Ahmed Amla, Adam Bacher, Gulam Bodi, Gerald Dros, William Hantam, Tyron Henderson, Eugene Moleon.

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.